from Ansar Khan of Mlive,

When a goaltender is struggling like Jimmy Howard has this season, a team’s options ordinarily would include waivers and an AHL assignment.

But the Detroit Red Wings’ options are limited. Jonathan Bernier might be out another week or so due to a lower-body injury and there isn’t much goaltending depth in the organization.

So, the Red Wings might need to start Howard Tuesday at the New York Islanders and back home on the weekend....

But the long-time Red Wings goalie’s numbers show how sideways this season has gone: Howard is 2-15-1, with a 4.10 goals-against average and .880 save percentage.

Coach Jeff Blashill said whatever Howard’s issue is, it’s not work ethic.

“I can tell you he looked great in practice (Saturday), he worked hard, I think he’s continued to work hard with (goalie coach) Jeff Salajko,” Blashill said. “He didn’t expect to play. Bernier had been injured at the end of the previous game (Friday), but we felt he was going to be all right and yesterday he seemed OK and he woke up this morning and it was way worse. So, then all the sudden Jimmy gets thrust into action.

“So, for a guy who’s trying to get to where he can get a groove going a little bit, it’s hard when you’re not expected to start. He’s like the rest of us, we got to keep digging.”

more