Flames and Red Wings talking trade?

The Calgary Flames appear to be ready for a longer playoff run this spring, however, many fans and pundits wonder if the Canadian team can trust the goaltending duo of Mike Smith and David Rittich to take them for a successful postseason. The Flames have allowed 21 goals over their last five games. Rittich has just an .810 save percentage in his last three starts, while Smith has registering a worrisome .890 since the All-Star break.

Flames GM Brad Treliving might decided to forget about adding a boost up front prior to the trade deadline in order to secure a stronger goalie in between the pipes. TSN Insider Darren Dreger reported Wednesday that the Flames are kicking the tires on Detroit Red Wings' Jimmy Howard.

While the veteran netminder has repeated how he'd prefer to end his career with the Red Wings, who selected him in the second round, 64th overall back in 2003, GM Ken Holland could move Howard for the right price as the trade deadline nears. He is expected to be asking for a first-round pick in return for Howard's services, however the final sale price could well be a second-rounder as the market is pretty scarce for goalies. 

Seeing the price for Howard, Treliving might have to choose between an upgrade in between the pipes or a major boost up front. They have been reported to be in the mix for a big-name winger like Ottawa Senators' Mark Stone, but there may not be enough assets to fulfill both wishes.

It's a decision the Flames will have to make shortly with less than two weeks to go prior to Feb. 25.

Howard is expected to start in goal tonight as the Red Wings face the Senators. It will mark his 500th career game. This season, Howard is is 16-15-5 with a 2.76 GAA and .914 save percentage over 38 games.