Earlier today Mike Babcock told the beat writers Jimmy Howard got banged during practice and he did not believe the injury was serious

Now Helene St. James with this...

Jimmy Howard has joined the ranks of injured Detroit Red Wings, a list that nearly rivals those who are actually healthy.

Howard practiced Wednesday morning at Tampa Bay Times Forum but left early. Within a few hours, the Wings called up Petr Mrazek to have him available Thursday against the Tampa Bay Lightning.

"Howie tweaked a knee," general manager Ken Holland told the Free Press. "He's going for tests. We don't know how serious it is. Obviously, he can't play, so we called up Mrazek."

Henrik Zetterberg, out with a herniated disc, was put on Long-Term Injured Reserve to make room for Mrazek.

Jonas Gustavsson already was tabbed to make the start against the Lightning. Howard played OK in Thursday's 3-2 shootout loss at Florida, but he's had a tough November, and this injury not only derails his attempt at regaining his footing with the Wings, it jeopardizes his shot at competing for Team USA at the Sochi Olympics.

First things first, let's hope it is not a serious injury, Howard still has time to rebound from a rough two months.

Second, can we drop the Olympic talk, it is not going to happen.