The Detroit Red Wings started off strong against the New York Islanders Sunday, jumping out to a 2-0 lead early in the first period. The lead didn't last long however as the Islanders netted three straight first period goals to take a 3-2 lead. Goal number four came just 16 seconds into the second period and that would be the end of the night for Red Wings goalie Petr Mrazek. Mrazek would give up 4 goals on just 11 shots and would be relieved by Jimmy Howard.
Howard would give up one of his own and the Red Wings (40-23-12) would fall to the Islanders (45-27-5) 5-4. Goaltending has been a hot topic in Detroit lately. Howard, an all-star for much of the season has been particularly bad of late, prompting Wings' coach Mike Babcock to state that the team would give it a go with Mrazek. Sunday neither of them could get the job done in the loss to New York.
It will be a very short run in the playoffs for Detroit if they can't find any answers in net. You're not going to get four plus goals a game every night out in the playoffs, the goalies you run up against are just too good. Either Howard or Mrazek have to step it up or the Wings might as well get ready to have a very brief playoff run.
