Detroit Red Wings goalie Jimmy Howard gave everybody a scare on Saturday night when he left the Maple Leafs game with an upper-body injury. Toronto's Joffrey Lupul caused the injury by falling on Howard while he scored a goal. Howard appeared to land hard on his shoulder, creating fear that the injury could be serious.
On Sunday, it was revealed by Howard that his injury is only a sprain and there is no serious damage. Howard is considered day-to-day by the Red Wings and actually thinks he could return as early as Wednesday when Detroit takes on St. Louis. That quick of a return is probably unlikely, but Howard is confident he will be ready to go for the playoffs.
"I'll be ready for the playoffs. We got enough games left. Still a couple of weeks away,'' Howard said. "Hopefully this doesn't keep me out (too long). Hopefully I can come back possibly Wednesday. I'm going to do the best I can to try to get back as soon as possible, icing it like crazy and continue to work with (trainers).''
It's unlikely the Red Wings will rush Howard back, so for the time being Joey MacDonald is the team's starting goaltender. His backup will be Thomas McCollum, who was called up from the ECHL's Toledo Walleye.