Howard in goal to open series against Lightning, Red Wings confirm

It's Jimmy Howard's crease.

The Detroit Red Wings confirmed Wednesday afternoon what many expected: Howard will start Game 1 of the club's first-round series against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Wednesday night.

The series is a rematch of last year's first-round matchup, the difference being Petr Mrazek was in goal for the Red Wings. Tampa Bay won in seven games, so Detroit's turning to Howard, who was the starter down the stretch, as the Red Wings needed Game 82 to clinch a playoff berth - their 25th straight.

Howard had a disappointing season, which he spent most of as Mrazek's backup. But that all means nothing now. The playoffs are a new season, and represent a chance at redemption. Howard has a career .919 save percentage and three shutouts in 46 career postseason games.

Detroit went 2-1 against the Lightning with Howard in the crease this season, the goaltender stopping 92.5 percent of the Tampa Bay shots he faced.