Ice Chips: Howard turns in another solid exhibition performance

By foxsports
Published

Jimmy Howard made 31 saves and Justin Abdelkader, Drew Miller, Henrik Zetterberg and Brad Richards scored to help the Red Wings top the Toronto Maple Leafs 4-2 in Friday's exhibition game.

SOLID IN GOAL

Red Wings goaltender Jimmy Howard turned in another solid performance Friday. Howard faced 33 shots in what he described as one of Detroit's toughest preseason games this year.

"I think this time of year, you want to see shots," Howard said. "You definitely don't want to be standing up, twiddling your thumbs. You want to see action. You want guys in your face."

Howard improves to 3-0-0 and has a .937 save percentage through four exhibition appearances.

BABCOCK'S RETURN

Former Red Wings coach Mike Babcock returned to Joe Louis Arena for the first time since being named head coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Wings defenseman Niklas Kronwall was asked how weird it was to look at the visitor's bench during a first intermission interview with FOX Sports Detroit: "You know what, I think it's time we stop talking about that. Right now we need to focus on our own game, set that aside."

DYNAMIC DUO

Dylan Larkin, the Red Wings' first-round pick in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft, played against former Michigan teammate Zach Hyman. Larkin said the two exchanged a few laughs during warmups and would catch up after the game. The pair formed a dynamic duo during Larkin's first and only season with the Wolverines.

INJURY REPORT

Wings defenseman Mike Green returned to the lineup Friday after missing the last four exhibition games due to a groin injury.

Danny DeKeyser will miss 3-4 weeks with a strained ligament in his left foot, general manager Ken Holland announced Friday.

NEXT UP

The Red Wings will travel to Toronto for their final exhibition game on Saturday, Oct. 3 at 7 p.m.

Detroit will host the Maple Leafs next Friday, Oct. 9 at 7:30 p.m. to open the regular season. A special one-hour pregame show will air on FOX Sports Detroit prior to the game.

SCORING SUMMARY

Red Wings Goals: Justin Abdelkader (2:31, first period), Drew Miller (5:21, first period), Henrik Zetterberg (3:57, third period), Brad Richards (3:57, third period)

Maple Leafs Goals: James van Riemsdyk (1:09, first period), Mark Arcobello (19:28, second period)