Detroit Red Wings G Jimmy Howard Injured and Out Again

The Detroit Red Wings best player of the season is hurt once again. Jimmy Howard sustained an MCL injury and is out the next four to six weeks. With Howard out, the Wings may continue their tumultuous season.

Howard has had a stellar return to form this season. Since the injury that kept him out of the 2013-14 All-Star game, Howard has played second fiddle to Petr Mrazek. With Mrazek stumbling early this season, Howard has snapped up the chance to become the Red Wings defacto starter.

Best Red Wing

Jimmy Howard’s record does not accurately reflect his fantastic year. In 15 games started this season, Howard is 5-7-1. He has a sub .500 win percentage, and yet has kept the Wings in most games he starts. In those starts, Howard owns a .936 save percentage and a 1.96 goals against average. This is the second time this season Howard is out due to injury; this time will be for an extended period that could hurt the Red Wings. Compared to Mrazek’s record, 17 games started and 9-7-3 with a better win percentage. Furthermore, Mrazek’s holds a .899 save percentage and a 3.06 goals against average.

New Tandem

Howard is out, therefore the goaltending duties fall to Mrazek and Jared Coreau. Coreau had his first NHL start when Howard went down earlier in the season. He also got the nod for the first game after his most recent injury. In the Wings’ last game before the holiday break, Coreau got his first NHL win in a 4-3 shootout over the Florida Panthers. Coreau stands at 1-1, with a .900 save percentage and 3.41 goals against average. Both management and coach Jeff Blashill have expressed faith in the young goaltender by citing his fantastic ability in the AHL. In the AHL, Coreau is among the top five in wins and statistics.

Uphill Battle

Detroit currently sits at seventh in the Atlantic Division. In 34 games played, the Wings are 15-15-4, with 34 points. They are six points out of a playoff spot held by the Boston Bruins, who have played two more games. Both wild card spots are currently held down by Metropolitan division teams, who have been some of the league’s hottest teams. Therefore, Detroit has some work to do.