The injury bug has hit the Red Wings pretty hard in the last month or so. The goalie position has especially been a victim of injuries. Chris Osgood recently had surgery for a sports hernia, which will keep him out for the next six to eight weeks. Friday night in Columbus, Jimmy Howard suffered a bone bruise on his knee, forcing backup Joey MacDonald into action.
It's unclear how long this injury will keep Howard out, but he will miss at least Saturday's game (also against Columbus). As a result, Thomas McCollum will be called up from the Grand Rapids Griffins. MacDonald is set to get the start, meaning McCollum will be the backup.
So far this season in Grand Rapids, McCollum has played in 17 games. He has a 5-10-0-2 record and a goals against average of 3.11. Last season he was called up to Detroit during the playoffs. He never came close to playing and was there more for learning experiences, meaning if he is forced into action on Saturday it would be his NHL debut.