Detroit, MI (SportsNetwork.com) - Detroit Red Wings goaltender Jimmy Howard suffered a groin tear, which will keep him out of action at least through the All-Star Break.
The Detroit Free Press reported Tuesday that Howard, who was forced to depart Saturday's 3-1 loss in Washington to the Capitals, underwent an MRI and an ultrasound which confirmed the severity of the injury.
Howard's latest setback, along with reserve Jonas Gustavsson being on injured reserve thanks to a separated shoulder, means that Petr Mrazek will be the nominal starter. The Wings recalled netminder Thomas McCollum from Grand Rapids of the AHL on Sunday to serve as his backup.
Detroit has five games remaining before the league pauses for a week due to the All-Star festivities in Columbus -- including Tuesday night's matchup with the Buffalo Sabres.
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