Report: Is it time for Babcock to make a change in goal?

Report: Is it time for Babcock to make a change in goal?

It's the question on the tip of every Red Wings fans tongue. Is Jimmy Howard still our guy in goal? Howard has made 16 appearances for the Red Wings since returning from a groin injury in mid-February and the results have been less than stellar. He i

HockeyFeed

HockeyFeed

It's the question on the tip of every Red Wings fans tongue. Is Jimmy Howard still our guy in goal? Howard has made 16 appearances for the Red Wings since returning from a groin injury in mid-February and the results have been less than stellar. He is sporting a porous save percentage of just .898 with a  total of 44 goals surrendered. He’s allowed four goals or more on five occasions since returning. On Tuesday, Howard allowed five goals on 22 shots to the lowly Arizona Coyotes, in a 5-4 loss in OT. “We gave up too many goals any way you look at it,” Wings coach Mike Babcock said, per the Detroit News. “The puck can’t go in your net five times and you expect to win in the NHL. Not good enough.” The winning goal was not Howard’s finest moment… [iframe id=""] At least Howard knows his performance lately is not going to cut it. “Personally, I hold myself to high standards and I’ve got to get back to where I was playing before,” he said recently, per MLive. “I’ve had spurts here coming back from the injury but I’ve got to find that consistency again.” With the playoffs coming up, Howard could not be struggling at a worse time. His save percentage has now dropped to a mediocre .912, which ranks 31st out of 43 regular starters in the NHL. His struggles have prompted many to suggest that Mike Babcock turn to Petr Mrazek, who played well in Howard's absence. The Wings host the Sharks tomorrow and as of now no Detroit starter has been announced. Is it time for a change? [iframe id=""]    

Newsletter

Get the latest news and updates directly in your inbox.

Source:
HockeyFeed

Stay ahead of the game with our exclusive hockey news, analysis and insider info.

© 2026 Attraction Web S.E.C. All rights reserved.