HOWARD STRUGGLES IN HIS FIRST CONDITIONING START

Jimmy Howard has been sidelined by an MCL sprain since December 20th, but started his conditioning stint with Grand Rapids (AHL) on Saturday. 

Howard’s conditioning start did not get off to a good start as he gave up a goal just 5:01 into the game and then a second just 4:39 later. Maybe it was because he wore No.33 instead of his usual No.35, which belongs to Cal Heeter down in Grand Rapids, but Howard struggled. He finished the game with 25 saves on 29 shots in the Griffins’ 5-4 loss.

This is exactly why the Red Wings sent Howard to the AHL after he missed nearly seven weeks. He needs to get back up to game-speed and is expected to make another start with Grand Rapids before returning to the Red Wings. With Petr Mrazek playing great this weekend they don’t need to rush Howard back, so expect him to play again next Wednesday versus the Manitoba Moose. 

After winning both games this weekend, the Red Wings are back above .500 (22-21-9) and sit just five points back of the Boston Bruins for third in the Atlantic and six points behind the Philadelphia Flyers for the second Wild Card spot. They have games in-hand on both of those teams. If the Red Wings truly want to make a playoff push they will need Howard to regain his early-season form that saw him post a 1.96 GAA and .934 SV% across 15 starts and two relief appearances. If he can find that game and a rejuvenated Mrazek continues to play well, then the Red Wings have a very strong 1-2 punch in goal for a potential stretch run.