from Dana Wakiji of DetroitRedWings.com,

Detroit Red Wings goaltender Jimmy Howard knew exactly what the All-Star Game was about for him this second time around.

It didn't matter that the Atlantic Division lost to the eventual champion Metropolitan Division, 7-4.

All that mattered to Howard, 34, is that his family had a good time in San Jose.

"It was a lot of fun," Howard said in the post-game interview room at SAP Center. "It was nice to make some saves. I just think the whole weekend, it's been so cool, especially with my family being here, with my boys. It's been really special. It's going to be one of those moments that we'll be able to share for the rest of our lives."

continued