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Jimmy Howard struggles in return to Red Wings’ net

jimmyhowardgetty

James OBrien

If Jimmy Howard is indeed among the three goalies the United States will bring to the 2014 Winter Olympics as reported, American GM David Poile saw firsthand why many are questioning his selection.

(Critics include Keith Jones and Mike Milbury, by the way.)

Howard struggled in his first bit of action since being sidelined on Dec. 10, allowing five goals - some of them far from flattering - as the Detroit Red Wings lost to the Nashville Predators 6-4 on Monday.

Colin Wilson’s first of two goals might be the ugliest Howard, 29, allowed tonight:

(Hey, at least Wilson is from the U.S., right?)

Nick Spaling’s tally won’t go on Howard’s “resume,” either, though:

One can almost imagine Poile scribbling out Howard’s name for Cory Schneider, Ben Bishop or Tim Thomas after seeing goals like those ...

All kidding aside, there’s no guarantee that Saturday’s report is even accurate (we’ll know after the 2014 Winter Classic). If it is true, then the U.S. has to hope that Howard’s poorly timed struggles are a distant memory in February, though.

Follow James O’Brien @cyclelikesedins