Detroit’s Playoff Hopes Hanging on by a Shoulder
FollowDetroit’s shot at the Stanley Cup was nearly over before it started on Saturday as Jimmy Howard was helped off the ice. The 6-foot, 210 netminder suffered a sprained shoulder when Toronto’s Joffrey Lupul crashed the Red Wings crease early in the third period.
The Red Wings are already without Chris Osgood who had a setback in his recovery from a sports hernia surgery and was placed on long-term IR earlier this week. He isn’t eligible to return until April 8th leaving the Wings with the strong possibility of entering the playoffs with journeyman Joey MacDonald as their backup.
Howard has firmly cemented his status as the number one goalie heading into the playoffs due in part to the uncertainty around Osgood. So when Lupul fell awkwardly on him in a vulnerable position, the concern over his status was immediate. MacDonald, who was signed in the off season for depth and to mentor Jordan Pearce and Thomas McCullom, has played better than expected but he is clearly not the preferred goaltending option entering the playoffs.
General Manager Ken Holland attempted to add depth in January by signing free agent goalie Evgeni Nabokov only to see him claimed on waivers by the New York Islanders. With very little salary cap space and reassurances that Osgood’s recovery was progressing, the Red Wings opted not to trade for a goaltender at the deadline. So with the setback to Osgood and Howard’s shoulder strain, Detroit’s goaltending situation has become a very large question mark as the season winds down. Although Howard’s shoulder strain appears to be mild, the Wings depth has been tested and they are one injury away from a long off season.