Jimmy Howard Returns to Face Preds
Mike Babcock changed his mind, sending Jimmy Howard to the wolves, err Preds. Make sure to put him back into your lineup as the Red Wings hope to string some wins together and maintain home-ice advantage.
* * *
3/29/12: Jimmy Howard could play tomorrow after all. Following another Ty Conklin dud, the Red Wings might want to get Howard back into the lineup sooner rather than later, even if that means facing a hungry and physical rival in the Predators. According to Helene St. James of The Detroit Free Press, via Twitter, Babcock is still not sure who he will turn to. Expect a further update after tomorrow’s morning skate.
* * *
3/27/12: All remains status quo on the Jimmy Howard injury front according to Helene St. James of The Detroit Free Press, via Twitter. Yesterday, the Red Wings starting goalie told reporters he was targeting a Friday return against the rival Nashville Predators. However, head coach Mike Babcock threw a wrench in those plans, explaining he doesn’t want his injured players to return against such a tough opponent. So right now it looks like he either gets back into the lineup tomorrow or doesn’t play until Sunday against the Florida Panthers.
Owners of Howard, or Ty Conklin for that matter, should continue to monitor the starting goalies section.
* * *
3/26/12: Even though Howard was unable to play Saturday, and won’t play tonight, the starting goalie continues to progress. The next possible date for his return is this upcoming Friday according to Ansar Khan of Mlive.com. Expect a further update prior to that tilt.
* * *
3/21/12: More good news on the Detroit Red Wings injury front. Starting goalie Jimmy Howard had an MRI yesterday which came back negative according to Ansar Khan of Mlive.com, via Twitter. The 33-game winner is now hoping to get back in nets on Saturday– the same day Nicklas Lidstrom could return. Even though the Red Wings have undergone a rash of injuries this month, they seem to be getting healthy at the right time.
* * *
Jimmy Howard simply can’t stay on the ice as of late. Injured for the third time in the calendar year, the Red Wings starting goalie is expected to miss some playing time according to Ansar Khan of Mlive.com, via Twitter. Khan would later note that the injury does not look serious.
In the meantime, look for Ty Conklin to handle the starting duties with rookie Jordan Pearce backing him up. Current backup Joey MacDonald has not resumed skating which puts a serious hole in the team’s depth chart. Should Howard miss substantial playing time, it would be difficult to pencil the Wings in as Stanley Cup contenders.