Petr Mrazek to start for Red Wings vs. Lightning after Howard pulled
Detroit Red Wings head coach Mike Babcock said backup goaltender Petr Mrazek will start Saturday’s game against the Tampa Bay Lightning.
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Starting goaltender Jimmy Howard gave up three goals on only nine shots during Detroit’s 6-4 loss to the San Jose Sharks on Thursday. In the last 32 shots Howard has faced, he has given up eight goals.
”Pete Mrazek's gotta get himself ready to go. Get Pete an opportunity here because we need that area fixed,” Babcock said to the Detroit Free Press. “I’m starting Petr Mrazek next game."
Mrazek has played in 23 games this season, with 20 starts, compiling a 14-7-1 record and a .913 save percentage.
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Babcock was asked if the teams' turnovers were the cause of their recent slump.
"We're giving up too many goals. Let's not worry about the turnovers at this point," Babcock said.
Howard has a 21-12-10 record with a 2.45 goals against average and a .911 save percentage this season for the Red Wings (39-22-12), who are sixth in the Eastern Conference standings with 90 points.
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