As the second period began in Detroit, Joey MacDonald lined up between the pipes for the Red Wings. Starting goaltender Jimmy Howard was mysteriously absent after being in net for the first period. Quickly the Red Wings declared him as day-to-day, although initially it wasn't clear what was wrong with him. Now we have some details but nothing too specific.
Holland tells Free Press: Howard is day-to-day, lower body injury
— Helene St. James (@freepwings) March 4, 2012
Howard missed quite a bit of time last month with a broken finger. This is what allowed MacDonald to join the team and take over the backup goaltending job. Howard made his return on Feb. 21, and Sunday's game was his fourth appearance since coming back from the injury.
While Howard's new injury does not appear to be serious, it doesn't seem he will be coming back into the game against the Chicago Blackhawks. After Sunday, the Red Wings' next game is Tuesday at the Philadelphia Flyers, so expect an update on Monday about his status for that game.
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