FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. _ The full damage won't be known for a few days, but early indications do not sound promising for Detroit Red Wings goaltender Jimmy Howard.
General manager Ken Holland told the Free Press Wednesday that Howard will be "out awhile," an assessment both opaque and ominous. First, doctors need to see how Howard's body responds to a few days' rest.
He was injured in Tuesday's 4-1 loss at Tampa Bay when he was toppled over by teammate Nick Jensen and Lightning forward Erik Condra. Howard had to be helped to the bench, where trainers took him. Howard was unable to put any weight on his right leg.
Holland did not specify the injury but did say it is not related to the groin injury that felled Howard earlier in the season. For now, Howard has been placed on seven-day injured reserve.
Most immediately, it means a trip to Florida for Jared Coreau, who was called up to have available for Friday at the Panthers. Coreau made his NHL debut earlier this month at Pittsburgh, allowing four goals on 36 shots to the defending Stanley Cup champions.
Howard had allowed one goal on 16 shots when he got hurt early in the second period. He has been one of the few bright spots for the Wings this season, stealing points as he forged a .934 save percentage and 1.96 goals-against average.
Petr Mrazek replaced Howard and allowed three goals Tuesday _ one of them during a two-man Lightning power play. He has allowed at least three goals in his last five appearances, leaving him with a .899 save percentage and 3.06 goals-against average.
