I can't imagine the crap that is going to come out of LGW if the offseason/next season does not go well for the Wings. This move is going to be cited so many times as the cause of anything negative...
Saying that Howard played poorly in the playoffs is setting your standards very high. For the most part he played well, nothing insane but not a bad performance. He did have several weak moments and stretches, but I don't think those moments constitute him playing poorly overall.
I agree that Babcock mismanaged the goaltenders though, although it is much easier to say that now that everything is said and done. When the Wings were in 9th-10th it didn't seem so bad to go with the hot goalie and hope he gets into the zone and stays there, which he did. However fatigue is something to consider, despite how much players will deny it.