Red Wings G Jimmy Howard says he's 'really, really close' to signing contract extension

Detroit Red Wings goalie Jimmy Howard (35) stops a shot by St. Louis Blues center Chris Porter (32) in the third period of an NHL hockey game in Detroit Sunday April 7, 2013. St. Louis won 1-0. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya) (The Associated Press)

Detroit Red Wings goalie Jimmy Howard (35) stops a shot as St. Louis Blues left wing Alexander Steen (20) pokes at the puck and Blues left wing David Perron (57) checks Red Wings defenseman Kyle Quincey (27) onto Howard in the third period of an NHL hockey game in Detroit, Sunday, April 7, 2013. St. Louis won 1-0. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya) (The Associated Press)

DETROIT – Detroit Red Wings goaltender Jimmy Howard says he's "really, really close" to signing a contract extension.

Howard declined to give details Thursday morning and the team says it has nothing to announce.

He is in the second season of a two-year, $4.5 million deal.

The 29-year-old Howard is the first goalie in franchise history to win at least 35 games in each of his first three full seasons. He is 16-12-4 this year, his fourth full season in net, entering a possibly pivotal game Thursday night against the San Jose Sharks.

Detroit is clinging to eighth place in the Western Conference and is hoping to close the season well enough to make a 22nd straight postseason appearance.

Howard says he's focused on helping the Red Wings be in the playoffs.