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Howard to start versus Sharks, is Detroit’s ‘starting goalie until he’s not our starting goalie’

howardjimmygetty

James OBrien

We wrote yesterday about the struggles of Jimmy Howard in Detroit’s goal, and wondered if coach Mike Babcock might start turning more to backup Petr Mrazek as the playoffs approach.

But Howard, who allowed five goals in a 5-4 overtime loss to the Coyotes on Tuesday, will be back between the pipes tonight when the Red Wings host the Sharks.

“He’s our starting goalie until he’s not our starting goalie,” Babcock told reporters, per the Detroit Free Press.

“You know, I’ve been here a long time. I’ve had lots of goalies. We’ve had lots of goalies struggle. But your guy normally is your guy, and if he isn’t your guy, you find another way to go. Bottom line is he played two good games, couldn’t keep it out of our net the last game. Gets an opportunity to go here again today.”

The Wings’ next game after tonight is Saturday at home to Tampa Bay.