Within an hour of being the only Detroit Red Wing named to the 2015 All-Star Game, Jimmy Howard gave the puck away behind his own net, resulting into a goal for the Washington Capitals and an untimely injury for the Wings’ number one goaltender.
Beginning Detroit’s second half of the season against the red-hot Washington Capitals (7-1-2 in their last ten games), Howard slid backward through his crease in desperation as Troy Brouwer tallied his 12th goal of the year on a wrap-around. The Wings would go on to lose 3-1.
http://youtu.be/TLPc1pM9458
Howard remained down on the ice until he managed to pull himself to his knees and be lifted on a stretcher by trainers and taken out of the game. Team doctors said the injury was to his left groin, Howard is expected to undergo an MRI today to diagnose the severity of the injury.
Ken Holland said Howard will have tests done tomorrow in Detroit. "We really don't know extent of groin injury until we get pics," he said.
— Ansar Khan (@AnsarKhanMLive) January 11, 2015
Back-up Petr Mrazek took over the net and played better than his stats display (2 GA, .857 SV%). With the possibility of Howard missing some time, Mrazek will take over the bulk of starts for the Wings and get his chance at establishing himself among the league’s best.
In 2013, Mrazek capped off an impressive rookie season where he backstopped the Grand Rapids Griffins and helped them claim their first-ever Calder Cup.
The 22-year-old, Czech goaltender is known for his eccentric mentality, confidence and energy that he brings onto the ice. Mrazek has regularly drawn comparisons to Hall of Famer, Dominik Hasek, through his unique style of play.
Stats and sources compiled from TSN, ESPN and GriffinsHockey.