The Red Wings could be entering a bit of a gray area in the blue paint — just in time for the playoffs.
According to Sportsnet’s Damien Cox, Jimmy Howard may not be the clear cut No. 1 goaltender with the Red Wings anymore.
“Last week, Mike Babcock said ‘he’s our No. 1 goalie until he’s not our No. 1 goalie,'” Cox said during Saturday’s Hockey Night in Canada broadcast. “He doesn’t seem to be their No. 1 goalie.”
Howard, 31, has a 21-12-10 record in 49 games played this season, with a .911 save percentage and a 2.45 goals-against average.
He has struggled of late, allowing 21 goals in his past six contests, which includes losses to Columbus, Philadelphia, Arizona and San Jose. (He was pulled after letting in three goals versus the Sharks.)
Petr Mrazek, 23, has played half as many games as Howard, earning himself a 15-7-1 record with a .917 save percentage and 2.40 goals-against average. Just this afternoon, Mrazek made 23 saves to shut out the Tampa Bay Lightning. (The two goaltenders are now tied for shutouts with two apiece.)
Cox also points out that with four years left on Howard’s $31 million contract extension, “things could get tricky.”
This is certainly a story to watch, especially as the Red Wings battle for a spot in the playoffs. They currently sit in third place in the Atlantic Division with 92 points.
