Major update regarding the Red Wings' goalie situation

Detroit had to use three netminders last season, but they're looking to one man this season.

HockeyFeed
HockeyFeed
Published 6 years ago
Major update regarding the Red Wings' goalie situation
KEYSTONE PRESS

The Detroit Red Wings have a new arena, and a fancy seamless screen, but some things will remain the same in Motor City. 

According to the Red Wings' goaltending coach Jeff Salajko, they're still planning on relying on Jimmy Howard as their starting goalie for the upcoming season.

The Red Wings have three goalies with NHL experience, and it was a bit of a carousel between the pipes last season.

Howard was limited to 26 games because of a  right knee sprain take took him out of action in December. It then fell to Petr Mrazek and Jared Coreau to backstop the Red Wings. Mrazek would finish the season with 50 games played and a 3.04 GAA and a .901 save percentage. Coreau would manage a 3.48 GAA and a .887 save percentage across 14 games.

Salajko had this to say in regards to Detroit's goalie situation:

"If we can keep Jimmy Howard healthy to play 50-55 games, I was comfortable with Jared in a role like that...

“We’re very comfortable with Jared as a third ...  I have no problem with him being the backup goalie, either...

"But we obviously have Petr back - Vegas didn’t have an interest in him, so I’m hoping he comes in with a chip on his shoulder and something to prove.”

Mrazek should show up with something to prove. Once billed as the next big goalie in Detroit, his stock fell when he was thrust into the starting role last season, and the fact that Vegas didn't draft him is probably a little bittersweet for the 25-year-old.

Once again the starting role is Howard's to lose, and Mrazek will be chomping at the bit to prove himself this season, especially with his $4-million per-season contract expiring at the close of the 2017-18 season.