Petr Mrazek is not only the future, but he's the present as well. He provides an athleticism and puck-handling prowess that solid veteran Jimmy Howard doesn't have. He single-handedly kept this game close entering the third period, twice denying Montreal's Tomas Plekanec on odd-man rushes off Detroit neutral zone turnovers.

But the Wings insist there hasn't been much separation between Mrazek and Howard. More important, they think there's no rush in clearly distinguishing a No. 1 and a No. 2. The regular season's only one-third over. There's no need in wearing out a No. 1 man. But it isn't a coincidence that only Mrazek has garnered back-to-back game starts while neither he nor Howard has started games on consecutive nights.

It's the most important juggling act facing head coach Jeff Blashill — keeping Howard fully engaged while giving Mrazek enough opportunities to cement the No. 1 designation come playoff time.

That's Drew Sharp of the Detroit Free Press on the Detroit goaltenders where you can read more on the Wings win over the Canadiens.