Howard recalled to replace Hasek (hip flexor)

[40#1Fan 0]

The Wings have recalled goaltender Jimmy Howard from Grand Rapids because Dominik Hasek is day-to-day with minor inflammation of his hip flexor. They placed Niklas Kronwall on injured reserve, retroactive to Jan. 30, when he suffered a sprained clavicle, to make room for Howard. Chris Osood will start Tuesday in Nashville with Howard dressing as the backup.

Howard has appeared in 39 games this year for the Griffins, compiling a 17-19-2 record with a 2.61 GAA and .914 save percentage. He was named the AHL Goaltender of the Month for December when he posted a 1.72 GAA, .939 save percentage, two shutouts and allowed two or fewer goals in 10 of 13 games played.

http://www.mlive.com/redwings/index.ssf/20...m_griffins.html

[OsGOD 3]

wtf? I missed the game on saturday... did he do something to tweak it or is this just one of those ... whooopsy deals.

[Turkey 0]

I'll be holding my breath until I hear that Hasek is all better. I hope I don't die.

[haroldsnepsts 4,826]

Hmm. That's definitely a concern.

I don't really remember him tweaking it on any specific play, but with the hip flexor, it could be a chronic use type injury.

[edicius 3,269]

I had theorized that something wasn't quite right when he came up slow before giving up the OT GWG to Toronto over the weekend. This might have been it.

[wingslogo19 281]

Well hopefully he gets better quick

[Echolalia 2,961]

I hope Howard and Osgood split the games played between them. If anything, this could be the motivation the Wings have lacked lately. Having an AHL goalie behind you tends to make you play with more of a sense of urgency throughout the entire 60 minutes. Not to mention Jimmy will get more nhl experience in.

[Lidsyukerberg 0]

As I recall Jimmy didn't win one single game for us when he played last. I really hope he does good this year. There was something about him that I liked and I rooted for him to have a good game every time he played. I think he just needed a little more time, I think this could be a good chance for him to make a good name for himself in the NHL. it should be fairly easy having a team like the Wings in front of him.

[Bryguy 103]

It was all that flopping on the OT winner. Get well soon dom

[edicius 3,269]

As I recall Jimmy didn't win one single game for us when he played last. I really hope he does good this year. There was something about him that I liked and I rooted for him to have a good game every time he played. I think he just needed a little more time, I think this could be a good chance for him to make a good name for himself in the NHL. it should be fairly easy having a team like the Wings in front of him.

He's actually got a career record of 1-2-0 in 4GP.

[40#1Fan 0]

from the Detroit News:

Just talked to Ken Holland and it doesn't sound there's anything major concerning Hasek at all. The team isn't practicing today so we can't talk to Hasek. Here's the story I filed for the web just moments ago.

DETROIT - Relax Red Wings fans, there isn't any serious problem concerning Dominik Hasek. The Red Wings brought up Jimmy Howard from Grand Rapids to back up Chris Osgood in Nashville, because of minor inflammation in Hasek's left hip. But general manager Ken Holland is hopeful Hasek could be back this weekend.

The fact we didn't put Dom on injured reserve shows it's not that serious, Holland said. It's something that''s been bothering Dom for a week, or two, and we felt with three days off here, it was a good opportunity to get him healthy. Holland met with Hasek and trainer Piet Van Zandt, and coach Mike Babcock after Sunday's game and a decision to keep Hasek home from the Nashville trip (Hasek was expected to start) was the best decision. This is the second time Hasek will miss a game because of the irritated hip. If this were a playoff game, Dom would be starting, Holland said. Rather than risk anything further, we felt it was best at this time to rest him and get him back to 100 percent.

Hasek missed three games (Oct. 28-Nov. 1) earlier this season because of a sore hip. Hasek played Saturday when the Wings lost 3-2 in overtime to Toronto and made no mention of discomfort. Howard had played in 39 games for the Griffins with a 17-19-2 record, 2.61 goals-against average and .914 save percentage. Howard was the American League's Goaltender of the Month for December when he had a 1.72 GAA and .939 save percentage, along with two shutouts. The Wings also put Niklas Kronwall (clavicle) on injured reserve in order to bring up Howard.

[vangvace 12]

it concerns me, but doesn't surprise me, that Kronwall got put on IR. I was kinda expecting Cleary because he needed surgery to repair his jaw...

[puckloo39 5,686]

Sounds precautionary to me. But who knows? Hip flexor injuries (chronic) are what finally did Patty Wah in and made him retire. It's probably no big deal with Dom.

Goaltending has not been the Wings' issue this season anyway. I am much more concerned about losing Dan Cleary for the season, than Dom for a couple of games...

Fingers crossed Dom's OK, anyway, though.

[puckloo39 5,686]

I had theorized that something wasn't quite right when he came up slow before giving up the OT GWG to Toronto over the weekend. This might have been it.

I watched the DVRd game last night. I think you're right.

[russianswede919293 95]

Get better Dom. At least we have Ozzie to fill in while Dom is out.

[HockeyCrazy3033 168]

That sucks that he's out, but better to take pre caution and let him rest. Get better.

[Grittzkey 1]

I'd like to see Howard play in the winged wheel, Hopefully he can get a start.

Kronner on IR? Thats Teh Sukage.

[interminded 1]

It's no big deal obviously.

He's just getting some extra rest.

Sounds sensible to me, so I'm not concerned.

[Packer487 3]

Kronner on IR? Thats Teh Sukage.

Unfortunately it's about as big of a surprise as snow being white or water being wet. We should really start calling him Mr. Glass like Samuel L. Jackson's character in Unbreakable.

[irishtemper14+25 11]

he must have done something when he was flopping on the ground in toronto

[HockeyCrazy3033 168]

It's no big deal obviously.

He's just getting some extra rest.

Sounds sensible to me, so I'm not concerned.

Agreed.

LOVE your ava!

[Offsides 21]

When the heck did this happen? Hmmm, I don't like piling up injuries.

I am not as concerned because I know Ozzie could handle the load in the playoffs, but no matter what happens, you want 2 people to rely on who are healthy..and not Ozzie and the noob from Grand Rapids. I'm sure Doms will be back in a couple though. Cleary is very concerning because he was such a big part of last years playoff run, but again, someone could step up in his place. I think we will definitely be needing to get someone at the deadline.

[up2here 41]

When the heck did this happen? Hmmm, I don't like piling up injuries.

I am not as concerned because I know Ozzie could handle the load in the playoffs, but no matter what happens, you want 2 people to rely on who are healthy..and not Ozzie and the noob from Grand Rapids. I'm sure Doms will be back in a couple though. Cleary is very concerning because he was such a big part of last years playoff run, but again, someone could step up in his place. I think we will definitely be needing to get someone at the deadline.

Cleary will be fine for the playoffs. Its a broken jaw not a head transplant.

[Detroit # 1 Fan 2,204]

Give Jimmy some time. The guys arent really playing to win anymore, so I'd like to see the young guys get there shot, rest the vets.

[puckloo39 5,686]

Cleary will be fine for the playoffs. Its a broken jaw not a head transplant.

I am starting to think that might not be such a bad idea for a couple of them.