Detroit Red Wings Clips April 1, 2015

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1 Detroit Red Wings Clips April 1, 2015 Detroit Red Wings PAGE 2 Game thread: Red Wings host Senators in Atlantic duel PAGE 3 Wings' Babcock: One of our goalies 'has got to grab it' PAGE 4 Red Wings' Babcock giving another start to Mrazek PAGE 5 Ottawa 2, Detroit 1 (SO): Why the Red Wings lost PAGE 6 Wings' Miller cut near eye by skate; sight OK (see video) PAGE 7 Wings' Mrazek gets nod over Howard tonight PAGE 9 Mrazek shines but Senators edge Wings in shootout PAGE 11 Datsyuk, Sheahan out with injuries against Senators PAGE 12 Krupa: Babcock, Howard vow to fight through adversity PAGE 14 Red Wings' Pavel Datsyuk (lower-body injury) out tonight; Riley Sheahan, Erik Cole remain sidelined PAGE 15 Detroit Red Wings Gameday: A chance to solidify a playoff spot against the Senators' Hamburglar PAGE 17 Red Wings' lineup vs. Senators: Petr Mrazek starting as Mike Babcock wants someone to grab the job PAGE 19 Red Wings' Petr Mrazek makes case for No. 1 job, earns fourth start in a row Thursday vs. Bruins PAGE 21 Senators 2, Red Wings 1 (SO): Petr Mrazek terrific in goal, but Ottawa scores late in regulation and wins shoo PAGE 23 Red Wings' Jimmy Howard experiences 'minor road block' while club sorts out goaltending situation PAGE 25 Second-period analysis: Red Wings 1, Senators 0 PAGE 27 First-period analysis: Red Wings 0, Senators 0 PAGE 28 Detroit Red Wings' Drew Miller cut in face by skate blade but suffers no damage to his eye PAGE 29 Stone's shootout goal lifts Senators over Red Wings 2-1 PAGE 30 Wings look to extend Senators' losing streak Tuesday PAGE 32 USA TODAY / Angst developing over Red Wings' playoff run PAGE 33 Bob Duff: Wings goalie Petr Mrazek shines in spotlight

2 Game thread: Red Wings host Senators in Atlantic duel By Brian Manzullo, Detroit Free Press 3:23 p.m. EDT March 31, 2015 The Detroit Red Wings look to inch closer to a playoff spot tonight as they host the Ottawa Senators at Joe Louis Arena (7:30 p.m., FSD, 97.1 FM). The Wings will start Petr Mrazek in net tonight. They are on the season (92 points), while Ottawa is (86 points). Detroit is third place in the Atlantic Division, behind the Montreal Canadiens and Tampa Bay Lightning, both of whom clinched playoff spots with two weeks left in the season. The Senators have lost three straight. Detroit Free Press LOADED:

3 Wings' Babcock: One of our goalies 'has got to grab it' By Helene St. James, Detroit Free Press 3:08 p.m. EDT March 31, 2015 Mike Babcock issued an ultimatum. Or maybe more like a plea. He decided to start Petr Mrazek for a third straight game tonight as the Detroit Red Wings host the Ottawa Senators at Joe Louis Arena, even after Mrazek had allowed four goals on 11 shots in his previous game. The other option would have been Jimmy Howard, but he fared poorly in his previous starts. That's left the Wings without a clear No. 1 goaltender with the playoffs two weeks away, prompting Babcock's to implore that, "One of these guys has got to grab it." Babcock said he went with Mrazek again because, "he's given us an opportunity. When you go through the numbers, he's been good. It's interesting, you ask me that question, why did you decide? I just watch. They decide." Teammates said they're not worried that they haven't been getting consistently good goaltending (Mrazek had a shutout last Saturday against Tampa Bay, but he faced just 24 shots) with the playoffs just two weeks away. Henrik Zetterberg spent several minutes talking up Howard, saying, "He's had a tough couple starts, but as a team, we haven't helped him either. If I have a bad night, no one notices, but if a goalie has a bad night, everyone notices." Jam-packed day planned for Gordie Howe's birthday today It's such a stark turnaround from the Howard who was so good during the first half he was named an NHL All-Star to the Howard who can't quite seem to regain his footing following a Jan. 10 groin injury. Howard said his slump isn't mental, that the scrutiny doesn't bother him because he's used to it, and that he's not concerned the playoffs are so close. "It's just a minor road block," he said. "The only thing I can control is putting in the hard work and having a positive attitude and support the guys." In a locker room where older players remember the hostile relations between Dominik Hasek and Curtis Joseph a decade ago, the camaraderie among Howard, Mrazek and for that matter Jonas Gustavsson eases the situation. Howard said of Mrazek that "he's my teammate and I only want the best for him." Mrazek noted Howard, "is a good teammate, he helps me with everything and we try to help each other." Neither is looking beyond the next game, because there's no point. If Mrazek plays well, he'll continue to start. Howard said he'll be ready when his number is called. As for Gustavsson, he should be cleared within days from the concussion-like symptoms he's had since March 8. By then, the Wings have to hope Mrazek or Howard has answered Babcock's call. Detroit Free Press LOADED:

4 Red Wings' Babcock giving another start to Mrazek By Helene St. James, Detroit Free Press 11:57 a.m. EDT March 31, 2015 Who's No. 1 in net for the Detroit Red Wings? At the moment, it's clearly Petr Mrazek. Coach Mike Babcock said that Mrazek will start tonight, when the Wings host the Ottawa Senators at Joe Louis Arena (7:30, FSD). The Senators have lost their last three games (one of them in overtime), but before that, they'd won 11 of 12, which is why they're pushing for a wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference. They sit just six points behind Detroit for third place in the Atlantic Division. It's a big game for Detroit, as its lead over Boston has dwindled to three points. The fact that Babcock is going with Mrazek even after he allowed four goals on 11 shots Sunday shows how little faith he has in Jimmy Howard at the moment. Howard has struggled to return to his All-Star first-half form after suffering an injury in January. Asked about his decision, Babcock said, "I did the same thing last week. I thought Howie had a couple of good games, he had a tough one, and I went right back to him. I thought Pete's done a good job for us. Didn't do as good a job the other night against the Islanders, so I'm giving him the same opportunity. "We're in the winning business. It's a huge game for us here tonight, and it's exciting to have the opportunity, and we're giving Pete the opportunity." Mrazek tends to be either very good or very bad (Sunday was the fourth time he has been pulled this season, in 25 appearances). One of his assets is an unshakable confidence, summed up by Mrazek as: "You've got to stay positive, believe in yourself." The only lineup change involves Riley Sheahan, who returns after a two-game injury layoff and will center Tomas Jurco and Teemu Pulkkinen. Erik Cole remains sidelined. Stephen Weiss was the odd man out at the morning skate. Howard, who had two poor starts last week and then made 15 saves in relief Sunday, expressed support for Mrazek and said the decision "was Mike's. He feels that Pete going tonight is the right thing. When my number is called, I'll be ready." Detroit Free Press LOADED:

5 Ottawa 2, Detroit 1 (SO): Why the Red Wings lost By Helene St. James, Detroit Free Press 12:33 a.m. EDT April 1, 2015 At Joe Louis Arena First period: Drew Miller rushed off in the opening minutes after taking a skate blade to the face when Mark Stone fell forward after a faceoff. Miller suffered lacerations around his right eye, but no damage to the eye. Kyle Quincey went for interference at 4:11. Petr Mrazek made several good saves during the Ottawa power play. The Wings didn't get a second shot on net till five minutes left in the first period. Second period: Gustav Nyquist snapped a shot from the right circle that beat Andrew Hammond at 5:43. Daniel Cleary, Jonathan Ericsson (double-roughing), Clarke MacArthur and Marc Methot all were called for roughing at 9:12, leaving Ottawa with a second power play. Henrik Zetterberg drew a holding penalty on Eric Gryba at 11:42. Zetterberg was called for goalie interference at 12:58. Danny DeKeyser went for crosschecking at 15:11. Mrazek made a glove on Mike Hoffman. Alex Chiasson was called for slashing Mrazek at 19:16. Third period: The Wings began the period with 1:16 left on a power play. Stephen Weiss went for roughing at 3:23, Ottawa's fifth power play. Tomas Jurco drew a holding penalty on Stone at 10:26, Detroit's third power play. Shoot-out: Nyquist scored on a backhand, Mika Zibanejad fired the puck in off a post, Tomas Tatar slowed and scored on a pop-shot, Kyle Turris found the net on a forehand. Marek Zidlicky shot into Andrew Hammond's body and Bobby Ryan shot wide. Stephen Weiss' shot went high and over, and Mark Stone scored the winning goal. Game reaction: Mike Babcock said: "Pete Mrazek was the star, our penalty kill was real good. We found a way to get a point, it was a huge point for us. They were on top of us most of the night, I didn't think we had many opportunities. Power play we didn't do much, so tip your hat to Pete."... Henrik Zetterberg said: "PK was good, we battled well in our own end. Power play, not so good. Not a lot of opportunities, have to be better there." Special teams report: The power play was 0-for-5 and the penalty kill was 3-for-3. Shot report: The Wings had 17 ( ) and the Senators had ( ). Next game: Thursday hosting the Boston Bruins. Detroit Free Press LOADED:

6 Wings' Miller cut near eye by skate; sight OK (see video) By Helene St. James, Detroit Free Press 12:34 a.m. EDT April 1, 2015 Detroit Red Wings forward Drew Miller rushed off the ice minutes into Tuesday's game against the Ottawa Senators at Joe Louis Arena after being struck by a skate in the face. Miller suffered two lacerations around his right eye, but the team announced there was no damage to the eye itself. "It's a scary moment, for sure," Niklas Kronwall said. "But at the same time, we all found out fairly quickly that he was going to be OK. Miller was injured after a faceoff, when Mark Stone fell forward and his right leg swung up just as Miller stepped forward. Miller was cut on his right cheek by the skate blade, immediately signaling to his bench that he needed to come off. "Millsie looks like he'll have a big-time scar, but he'll be back," coach Mike Babcock said. He wasn't sure if it would be as soon as Thursday, when the Wings host Boston. Detroit Free Press LOADED:

7 Wings' Mrazek gets nod over Howard tonight Ted Kulfan, The Detroit News 4:49 p.m. EDT March 31, 2015 Detroit It'll be Petr Mrazek back in net Tuesday night when the Red Wings host Ottawa. Mrazek is coming off a dismal start Sunday against the Islanders, allowing four goals on 11 shots in a 5-4 loss. But coach Mike Babcock, as he did the week before while going back to Jimmy Howard after consecutive good starts capped by a clunker, decided to use the same logic while letting Mrazek try to play through it. "Petr has done a good job for us, didn't do as good a job against the Islanders, and I'll give him the same opportunity," Babcock said. "Obviously one of these guys have to grab it. We're in the winning business. It's (Tuesday) a huge game for us. It's exciting to have the opportunity and we'll give Pete the opportunity." Howard stopped 14 of 15 shots against the Islanders in relief of Mrazek. Howard took the news of backing up Mrazek against the Senators in stride. "It's his (Babcock's) decision," Howard said. "He feels that Petr going tonight is the right thing and I know when my number is called, I'll be ready." Howard called his recent slump "just a minor roadblock." He added: "The only thing I can control is myself and coming in here and putting in the work, have a positive attitude, and supporting all the guys. "Coach Babcock makes the decisions." Mrazek got the news from goaltending coach Jim Bedard late Monday he'd be starting. "When you have a game like that against the Islanders, it's on the coaches (as to) who will play," Mrazek said. "I'm happy I have the chance to go out there. "You have to stay positive all the time, whether you have a good game or bad game. It's over at the end of the game and you just start thinking about the new day and game." As for the possitiblity of seizing the starting job with the playoffs just two weeks away, Mrazek isn't thinking in those terms. "For me, the opportunity to come back after Sunday, that's huge for me," Mrazek said. "I don't think about what happened. I just worry about one game and we'll think about the next one (afterward)." Gustavsson on mend Jonas Gustavsson, recuperating from concussion symptoms suffered March 8, is increasing his workload during practice and could be cleared soon. Gustavsson did most of his work after Tuesday's morning skate, facing shots from players not in the lineup. 7

8 "I'm facing shots now and staying ready," Gustavsson said. "I feel good. I haven't done the final (concussion) test. I feel like right now it's just a matter of me staying ready and being ready when they need me." Birthday wishes for Mr. Hockey Gordie Howe celebrated his 87th birthday Tuesday, and his former linemate, Ted Lindsay, wished him a happy birthday. "I would like to wish Mr. Hockey, Gordie Howe, the greatest hockey player to ever play the game, a very Happy 87th Birthday," Lindsay said in a statement released by Red Wings officials. "No one to this day can play the game with the same combination of toughness and skill that Gordie displayed for 25 years in a Red Wings uniform. "He was a great teammate and I'm thrilled at the progress he's made in his recovery. I wish him all the best as he continues his battle. Happy Birthday, Gordie!" Howe suffered a serious stroke and had some other health concerns in the past year. Ice chips Riley Sheahan (upper body) will return to the Red Wings' lineup after missing the last two games.... Erik Cole (upper body) will miss his fourth consecutive game, but is likely to return later this week.... Babcock will leave the team Wednesday, traveling to Canada for the funeral of his father, Michael Babcock Sr., who passed away Saturday night at the age of 78. Detroit News LOADED:

9 Mrazek shines but Senators edge Wings in shootout Ted Kulfan, The Detroit News 12:46 a.m. EDT April 1, 2015 Detroit The good Petr Mrazek stood up Tuesday. The real good Petr Mrazek. Mrazek stopped 33 shots and was the main reason the Red Wings were able to secure a point in a 2-1 shootout loss to Ottawa. The Senators won the shootout, 3-2, with Mark Stone getting the clincher in the fourth round. But the Red Wings wouldn't have earned the crucial one point if not for Mrazek, who rebounded superbly from Sunday's poor performance. "That's what he does, he's been great for us all year," Niklas Kronwall said. "Maybe there have been a couple of nights he hasn't felt great and we haven't helped him out, either. "But this was a big night for him and he showed what he's all about." Coach Mike Babcock named Mrazek the starter after the morning skate, a somewhat surprising choice considering Mrazek's less than outstanding game Sunday against the New York Islanders. Mrazek allowed four goals on 11 shots against the Islanders, never looked comfortable, and was pulled for the fourth time this season. But Mrazek was a different goaltender from the puck drop against Ottawa. "Petr Mrazek was the star," Babcock said. "The penalty kill was real good (killed all five Ottawa power plays). We found a way to get a point, a huge point for us. Give Petr and the penalty kill credit. They were on top of us most of the night." Said Mrazek: "I felt good. It was a huge one point for us. (The shootout was ) disappointing. I was real excited for that and we scored two goals." Babcock will go with Mrazek again Thursday when Boston comes to town in another big, late season game. "He'll get the start against Boston and it's his job to do it again," Babcock said. "The great thing about goaltenders is if you do it every night, you get to play every night." The Red Wings ( , 93 points) have a two-point lead over Boston (91 points) for third place in the Atlantic Division and five points over Ottawa (88) with six games to play for both the Red Wings and Ottawa. Boston has five games remaining. Ottawa's Clarke MacArthur tied the score 1-1 at 15:58 of the third period. After the Senators won the faceoff, defenseman Erik Karlsson got the puck and found MacArthur at the top of the slot. MacArthur's shot appeared to deflect off a skate, then hit Mrazek's glove before settling into the net for his 14th goal. 9

10 Not the case, said Mrazek. "I don't think it was a deflection," Mrazek said. "It was a straight shot and I didn't see it, there were two or three guys there (in front) and it hit my glove and it went in." The Senators outshot the Red Wings 34-17, and appeared the faster and more desperate team. "It's not the way we wanted to play the game but Mrazek came up huge and kept us in the game," Kronwall said. "I don't think we were close to where we need to be. They're a good team and they came out with a lot of energy. "We didn't do a very good job of getting out of our zone." The Red Wings' lineup was decimated, missing forwards Pavel Datsyuk (lower body), Riley Sheahan (upper body) and Erik Cole (upper body) Babcock was under the impression all three were going to play earlier in the day. Then, just 1:10 into the game, Drew Miller was lost for the game with two deep lacerations on his face but thankfully missing the eyes when Stone's skate blade caught Miller under his visor. It added up to a painful evening in some ways, although Babcock wanted to stress the positives. "You guys, when you're asking me these questions, you want to be negative more than me," Babcock said. "I don't want to do that, so this is what I thought. "Our team competed real hard, I thought they had more hands on deck than us, and they played faster than us. "You guys have a good night." Detroit News LOADED:

11 Datsyuk, Sheahan out with injuries against Senators Ted Kulfan, The Detroit News 8:04 p.m. EDT March 31, 2015 Detroit The Red Wings are without forwards Pavel Datsyuk and Riley Sheahan against Ottawa this evening. Datsyuk is missing his sixth game in the last eight because of an unspecified lower body injury. Datsyuk played both games over the weekend, back-to-back games against Tampa Bay and the New York Islanders, scoring a goal and assisting on another against the Islanders. Sheahan appeared ready to go during the morning skate, participated in line drills, and told reporters he was well enough to play. But Sheahan was a late scratch, missing his third consecutive game. The two join Erik Cole (upper body), who missed his fourth straight game but is planning on returning Thursday against Boston. Without Datsyuk and Sheahan, veterans Stephen Weiss and Daniel Cleary are in the lineup. Cleary hasn't played since Feb. 23 when he played 5:33 against Anaheim. Weiss has played the last three games, with a one goal and one assist. Detroit News LOADED:

12 Krupa: Babcock, Howard vow to fight through adversity Gregg Krupa, The Detroit News 7:48 p.m. EDT March 31, 2015 Detroit Jimmy Howard heard he would not start against the Senators on Tuesday in one of the biggest games this season while he was feeding his baby son, Henry. Mike Babcock made the decision to start the struggling Petr Mrazek, amid days when, as usual, he spent long, long hours watching games, deconstructing video, huddling with assistants and scouts, preparing the Red Wings to play. And all the while mourning his father, Michael Sr., who died Saturday after a long illness. Adversity. How we handle it makes us who we are. In life, it can create compassion and courage; in careers, success. In sport, it can create champions. It grinds some to a halt and helps lift others to conquering heights. After the morning skate, eight hours before the drop of the puck, Howard and Babcock made clear they intend to persist. For Howard, it meant doing extra work after the morning skate to improve his game and grappling with questions about the unsettled Red Wings situation in net while trying to nail down a playoff spot and just two weeks from the start of the Stanley Cup playoffs. For Babcock, it meant coaching the team as his family mourned and prepared for the funeral today in Canada. 'A new challenge' As a larger-than-normal media scrum from Ontario, Michigan and national outlets crowded around them, microphones and recorders pointed, both men explained about reacting to adversity. "Everything's a challenge," Howard said. "Every time you meet something, you go through something like this, it's a new challenge. There's a new aspect to it. "And you learn something about yourself, and you learn something about the situation. "Even at age 31, now, I come to the rink ready to learn something new, every day. So it's no different than learning something about yourself. "It's just a minor roadblock. "The only thing I can control is myself, and that's coming in here and putting in the hard work and having a positive attitude and supporting the guys." Amid failure is the seed of success. Howard thinks he has spotted it. But his explanation, following the puck, is so simple it doesn't help the uninitiated. 12

13 He tried a baseball metaphor. When a batter walks to the plate, he looks out to the mound and, more often than not, the eyes come to rest on the pitcher's hand. Keeping your eye on the ball requires that intensity. The seed is getting that back into his game. "It's not mental, like confidence-wise or anything like that," Howard said. "It's keeping your eye on the puck out there, at all times, and not losing sight of it." And, yes, he knows what time of year it is. "It's one of those things, now, it's the time when you just have to deliver. In those two games (Coyotes, March 24 and Sharks, March 26), I didn't," he said. "But when my number's called again, I will be out there. I will play, and I will be good." 'Do your job' Performing poorly in goal is remarkably unlike the death of a father. But the keeping busy part of the remedy is the same, whether struggling in the net or mourning a loved one. "In my family, you're expected to do your job," Babcock said. "There's expectations every day. "My dad would be expecting me to do this, and doing it to the best of my ability. That's how I was brought up." So, there he was, skating the team in the morning and preparing them to beat Ottawa, before heading off to help give Michael Babcock Sr. a fine memorial. "And I'm a guy of faith, anyway," said Babcock, a Sundays-in-church Roman Catholic. "And since I lost my mom, I prayed every day, and my mom's looked after my family great. "I think he same thing's going to happen for Dad." Babcock was absent from practice March 3 when he seized a spare moment in his schedule to fly out and see his father. "It was good," he said. "I always make notes in my phone, and in my phone, it's right there: This is the last time I'll see dad. "I talked to my dad every day. It's like I don't know what I'm going to do when I leave and jump in my truck, because I talked to my dad every day when I was leaving the morning skate. "And so, I've got to find someone else to call." Detroit News LOADED:

14 Red Wings' Pavel Datsyuk (lower-body injury) out tonight; Riley Sheahan, Erik Cole remain sidelined Ansar Khan By Ansar Khan on March 31, 2015 at 7:05 PM, updated March 31, 2015 at 7:17 PM DETROIT -- After returning to the lineup for two games, the Detroit Red Wings' Pavel Datsyuk will miss tonight's game due to the ankle injury that idled him for five games recently. Datsyuk had a goal and an assist in Sunday's 5-4 loss to the New York Islanders. He skated this morning but the injury must have flared up before game time. Center Riley Sheahan will miss his third game in a row with an upper-body injury. Sheahan skated this morning and thought he was good to go. With Erik Cole (upper-body injury, day to day) still sidelined, the Red Wings will insert Daniel Cleary into the lineup. He had been a healthy scratch the past 17 games since his previous appearance on Feb. 23. Michigan Live LOADED:

15 Detroit Red Wings Gameday: A chance to solidify a playoff spot against the Senators' Hamburglar Ansar Khan akhan1@mlive.com By Ansar Khan akhan1@mlive.com on March 31, 2015 at 3:02 PM, updated March 31, 2015 at 3:04 PM GAME INFORMATION Who: Detroit Red Wings ( ) vs. Ottawa Senators ( ) When: 7:30 tonight Where: Joe Louis Arena TV: Fox Sports Detroit Radio: WXYT-FM (97.1), WXYT-AM (1270) and Red Wings radio network Facebook: Like our Detroit Red Wings Facebook page Twitter: Follow Ansar Khan and Brendan Savage Live coverage: Join the MLive open thread/live updates at 6:30 p.m. ET. GAME NOTES The Red Wings can go a long way toward clinching a playoff spot with a victory tonight against a team that is six points behind them and currently not in a postseason potion. If the Red Wings win in regulation, their magic number to clinch a playoff spot would be reduced to five - meaning any combination of five points gained by Detroit and lost by Ottawa would get the Red Wings in for the 24th consecutive season. The Hamburglar is back in net for the Senators. Andrew Hammond didn't play the past two games due to a back issue. Ottawa turned its season around behind the unheralded goalie who went after being promoted from AHL Binghamton. Hammond is coming off his first regulation loss, 5-1 Thursday to the New York Rangers, when he was pulled late in the second period. Hammond has a 1.91 goals-against average and.938 save percentage but hasn't been as sharp his past four starts, allowing 14 goals. Hammond made his career debut in a 6-1 loss to the Red Wings on Feb. 27, He stopped all 11 shots he faced in 35 minutes after relieving Robin Lehner. Petr Mrazek, who played junior hockey for the OHL's Ottawa 67s, makes his first career start against the Senators. He was hot and cold over the weekend, shutting out of the highest-scoring team in the league, the Tampa Bay Lightning, before allowing four goals on 11 shots and getting pulled against the New York Islanders. Marek Zidlicky has 399 career points, tying him with Petr Svoboda for third place among defensemen born in the Czech Republic. Roman Hamrlik (638 points) and Tomas Kaberle (563) head the list. 15

16 The Red Wings have scored four goals in each of their past four games. It's the third time this season they've tallied at least four goals in four consecutive games. They've yet to do it five games in a row. Michigan Live LOADED:

17 Red Wings' lineup vs. Senators: Petr Mrazek starting as Mike Babcock wants someone to grab the job Ansar Khan By Ansar Khan on March 31, 2015 at 12:13 PM, updated March 31, 2015 at 1:38 PM DETROIT - The Detroit Red Wings starting goaltending job is up for grabs, and coach Mike Babcock is giving rookie Petr Mrazek a prime opportunity to seize it. Mrazek will start tonight against the Ottawa Senators in a key game at Joe Louis Arena (7:30, Fox Sports Detroit). The Red Wings are six points ahead of the Senators in the Atlantic Division. This is Mrazek's third consecutive start. It appeared Babcock might go back to Jimmy Howard after Mrazek allowed four goals on 11 shots and was pulled 16 seconds into a 5-4 loss Sunday at the New York Islanders. But Babcock is counting on the young, mentally tough goalie to bounce back. "Howie had a tough one and I went right back with him (Thursday vs. San Jose)," Babcock said. "Pete's done a good job for us, didn't do a good job the other night against the Islanders, so I'm giving him the same opportunity. Obviously, one of these guys has to grab it. We're in the winning business. This is a huge game for us tonight. It's exciting to have the opportunity and we're giving Pete the opportunity." Babcock said it's not Mrazek's mental make-up that led to this decision. "You have to have a skill-set before any of that part matters," Babcock said. "He's been good. He's given us an opportunity. You go through the numbers he's been good. I just watch. They decide." Mrazek has been stellar in many games - like in Saturday's 4-0 victory over Tampa Bay. But he's also struggling, getting pulled four times in his past 12 starts with Detroit. "It's great to have the opportunity and chance to bounce back right after Sunday," Mrazek said. "It's just two days after to have a chance. It's a huge opportunity. I can't wait for tonight." He's already put the previous game behind him. "You have to be mentally strong. Don't think about Sunday. It was over," Mrazek said. "You're just looking forward, looking to next day for future." Howard said he learned of the decision Monday night when goaltending coach Jim Bedard called him, after he had received a text from Babcock. Howard will continue to work hard in practice tracking the puck and wait for his opportunity. "It's (Babcock's) decision. He feels that Petr going tonight is the right thing," Howard said. "When my number is called I'll be ready." Sheahan back, Cole still out 17

18 Riley Sheahan (upper-body injury) returns to the lineup tonight after missing two games. Erik Cole (upper-body injury) skated this morning but will sit out for the fourth game in a row. He said he might be ready for Thursday's game against Boston. Gustavsson close to being cleared Goaltender Jonas Gustavsson, out since March 8 with a concussion, is closed to being cleared. "I feel good out there," Gustavsson said. "I haven't done the final test. I feel right now it's me staying ready and be ready when they need me." He said there hasn't been any talk of sending him to the Grand Rapids Griffins for a game or two of conditioning. Lindsay on Howe One Red Wings legend paid tribute to another as Ted Lindsay, in a statement released by the team, wished Gordie Howe, his former Production Line linemate, a happy birthday. "I would like to wish Mr. Hockey, Gordie Howe, the greatest hockey player to ever play the game, a very Happy 87th Birthday," Lindsay's statement read. "No one to this day can play the game with the same combination of toughness and skill that Gordie displayed for 25 years in a Red Wings uniform. He was a great teammate and I'm thrilled at the progress he's made in his recovery. I wish him all the best as he continues his battle. Happy Birthday, Gordie!" Michigan Live LOADED:

19 Red Wings' Petr Mrazek makes case for No. 1 job, earns fourth start in a row Thursday vs. Bruins Ansar Khan akhan1@mlive.com By Ansar Khan akhan1@mlive.com on April 01, 2015 at 1:02 AM, updated April 01, 2015 at 1:07 AM DETROIT - Detroit Red Wings coach Mike Babcock said Tuesday morning that he wanted someone to step up and grab the starting goaltending job. Petr Mrazek then went out and made a strong case for himself, making 33 saves in a 2-1 shootout loss to the Ottawa Senators at Joe Louis Arena. Ottawa dominated the depleted Red Wings - who were missing three forwards (Pavel Datsyuk, Riley Sheahan and Erik Cole) and lost another (Drew Miller, deep facial lacerations from skate blade) a minute into the game. Mrazek's outstanding play nearly netted his team two points but at least enabled it to escape with one. Now it appears Mrazek's job to lose. "I thought Mrazek did a real good job and he'll get the start against Boston (Thursday) and then his job is to do it again," Babcock said. "That's the great thing about the goaltending position. If you do it every night, you get to play every night." Mrazek bounced back from Sunday's 5-4 loss to the New York Islanders, when he was pulled 16 seconds into the second period after having allowed four goals on 11 shots. "I felt great out there," Mrazek said. "We got one point and would have like to have two, so that's disappointing for us, but you bounce back. That's a huge one point for us." The Senators outshot the Red Wings Mrazek flirted with a shutout before Clarke MacArthur blasted a shot that deflected off Mrazek's glove and in the net with 4:02 to play in the third period. "I don't think it was a deflection. I think it was a straight shot," Mrazek said. "I didn't see it through two or three guys there. It hit my glove and went in." Mrazek said the shootout was a big disappointment to him, after he allowed three goals on four shots, including the winner to Mark Stone. "I was very excited for that and we scored two goals," Mrazek said. "If I hadn't let two of the first three in we win." The Red Wings wouldn't have had a chance to win if not for Mrazek's excellent play through 65 minutes. "After the shootout I saw Pete sprint off the ice," Babcock said. "To me he doesn't have anything to hang his head about. I thought he was outstanding, gave us a chance." That was obvious to Mrazek's teammates. "Mrazek came up huge for us a few times and really kept us in the game," Niklas Kronwall said. 19

20 "That's what he does. He's been great for us all year. There's been maybe a couple of nights where he hasn't felt great but we haven't helped him very much on those nights. I thought this was a big night for him and it just shows what he's all about." Thursday will be Mrazek's fourth start in a row. Jimmy Howard will continue to work on his game in practice, trying to regain his All-Star form from before his groin injury on Jan. 10. Mrazek credited the club's penalty killers (Ottawa went 0 for 5 on the power play) and shot-blockers (they had 16 blocks). "It is a long night, but we did a great job out there, guys were boxing out really well and that made my job easy," Mrazek said. But Babcock said Mrazek "was the star." "Just tip your hat to Pete," Babcock said. Miller update: Babcock said he wasn't sure if Miller will be ready for Thursday's game. Miller suffered no damage in his eye. "Millsie looks like he's going to have a big-time scar, but he'll be back (soon)," Babcock said. Michigan Live LOADED:

21 Senators 2, Red Wings 1 (SO): Petr Mrazek terrific in goal, but Ottawa scores late in regulation and wins shootout Ansar Khan akhan1@mlive.com By Ansar Khan akhan1@mlive.com on March 31, 2015 at 10:17 PM, updated March 31, 2015 at 10:45 PM DETROIT - The NHL's "Hamburglar" paid a visit to Joe Louis Arena on Tuesday, but for most of the night it appeared Petr Mrazek would steal two points for the home team. Mrazek was terrific during regulation and overtime, but the Ottawa Senators scored late to tie the game and won it 2-1 in a shootout. The Senators scored on three of their four shootout attempts (Mika Zibanejad, Kyle Turris and Mark Stone). Gustav Nyquist and Tomas Tatar scored for Detroit before Andrew "The Hamburglar" Hammond made saves on Marek Zidlicky and Stephen Weiss. The Red Wings ( , 93 points), in third place in the Atlantic Division, still picked up an important point in the playoff chase. They are two points ahead of the Boston Bruins and five in front of the Senators ( , 88 points). Nyquist scored the Red Wings' lone regulation goal. Mrazek had to be near-perfect on a night when his team was outplayed and outshot badly, He bounced back from Sunday's game, when he was allowed four goals on 11 shots and was pulled 16 seconds into the second period of a 5-4 loss to the New York Islanders. Clarke MacArthur tied the game 1-1 with 4:02 remaining on a blast that deflected off a skate and off Mrazek's glove and into the net. Turris won the offensive-zone faceoff from Luke Glendening to set up the goal. The Red Wings killed five Senators power plays without their top penalty-killing forward Drew Miller. He left the game at 1:04 of the first period after being cut in the face by Stone's skate. Miller suffered two deep lacerations around his right team but no eye damage, the team said. The Red Wings were depleted at forward coming into the game, missing Pavel Datsyuk, Riley Sheahan and Erik Cole. Datsyuk was a late scratch due to an ankle issue that forced him to miss five games March He had returned for two games and even picked up a pair of points on Sunday. Sheahan and Cole (upper-body injuries) skated Tuesday morning and are day-to-day. Nyquist opened the scoring with his 25th goal at 5:43 the second period. He took a pass from Justin Abdelkader during a two-on-two rush and snapped a shot past Hammond. 21

22 Ottawa might have broken the game open in the first period if not for Mrazek, who made several key stops, especially during a power play. The Senators registered 12 of the game's first 13 shots and outshot Detroit Michigan Live LOADED:

23 Red Wings' Jimmy Howard experiences 'minor road block' while club sorts out goaltending situation Ansar Khan By Ansar Khan on March 31, 2015 at 9:31 PM, updated March 31, 2015 at 9:32 PM DETROIT - The Detroit Red Wings know who their starting goaltender is today. They don't know who it will be tomorrow, next week or when the playoffs begin in two weeks. They didn't expect to be in this position with seven games remaining in the regular season - or anytime. For the first time since he assumed the starting job early in the season, Jimmy Howard is being seriously challenged for the position. But the goalie he's competing with, Petr Mrazek, has had his share of issues, too. So while the rookie Mrazek got the call Tuesday in a big game against the Ottawa Senators, coach Mike Babcock said earlier in the day he just wants someone to "grab" the job. "You gather information from people but in the end someone has to decide who goes on the ice and that's the coach," Babcock said. "In the end you gather the information, listen to everybody, you get enough thoughts like yours and you think that's not a bad idea. "What in the end puts you over the top? I don't know the answer to that. I just know the longer you've been in the business, the more success you've had, the steadier you are on the rudder. You believe. You've been through it enough you just know what's going to happen." Nobody knows what's going to happen next. Howard was having an All-Star season until he injured his groin Jan. 10 in Washington. After missing four weeks he hasn't been nearly as sharp, going 6-6-3, with a 3.07 goalsagainst average and.895 save percentage. Mrazek has been hot and cold, which was illustrated over the weekend, when he shut out the highest-scoring team in the league, the Tampa Bay Lightning, and a day later was pulled after allowing four goals on 11 shots against the New York Islanders. He has been pulled four times in his past 12 NHL starts. "He's a good goalie and he knows it," Red Wings captain Henrik Zetterberg said. "He's had a few off nights, but everyone has that, but he's good goaltender and I think him and Howie and Gustavsson are learning from each other." Babcock said he wanted to give the 23-year-old a chance to bounce back, like he did with Howard last week. "You have to be mentally strong," Mrazek said. "Don't think about Sunday. It's over. I didn't think about Saturday (on) Sunday. You're just looking forward." 23

24 Howard called it a minor road block. "The only thing I can control is myself and that's coming in here and putting in the hard work," Howard said. "I have a positive attitude and support of the guys. Coach Babcock makes the decisions and you have to roll with that.... When my number is called I'll be ready." Howard said his issues aren't mental and he hasn't lost confidence. He also said he's fine physically and that his time off due to injury is no excuse for his inconsistency. "There's been times where I've been out and popped back in and picked up right where I left off," Howard said. "You have to play well and I didn't in those two games (last week). But when my number is called again I will be out there and again and I will be good. "It's just going out there and working hard with Jim (goaltending coach Bedard) and be ready for when I get another chance to start." Howard said his main focus is tracking the puck better. He likened it to a batter's ability to read a pitch as it comes out of a pitcher's hand. "It's very similar in that aspect, where you just want to concentrate and focus where that puck is at all times because the way this game is played now, it's so fast and every team has great players," Howard said. Howard and Mrazek continue to support each other. "I want nothing but the best for him," Howard said. "He's a great young kid as well." Said Mrazek: "Howie is still No. 1 here. He's done a great job this year and so many years before. Every goalie has some bad days and great days. You just have to be focused, work hard." Teammates said they need to play better in front of their goalies. "They've taken a lot of the heat, but at the same time we've got to do a better job in front of them -- boxing out, clearing second pucks, clearing rebounds," Justin Abdelkader said. "It's a total team effort. We're scoring goals but we're giving up way too many." Michigan Live LOADED:

25 Second-period analysis: Red Wings 1, Senators 0 Michael Niziolek By Michael Niziolek on March 31, 2015 at 9:13 PM, updated March 31, 2015 at 9:21 PM DETROIT -- The Detroit Red Wings made the five-plus minute wait for its first shot in the second period worth it. Gustav Nyquist scored (15:43) to put the Red Wings up 1-0 over the Ottawa Senators with a wrist shot at the top of the circle. Justin Abdelkader stole a pass intended for Patrick Wiercioch in the neutral zone, and dumped it off to Nyquist. Nyquist flicked a wrist shot over Senator goalie Andrew Hammond's right shoulder. Outside of Nyquist's goal, the Red Wings had very few opportunities through the first two periods. It had five shots in the first period, and only managed one shot for a 12- minute stretch in the second. The Senators controlled much of the play in the Red Wings zone, but came up emptyhanded on 25 shots. Detroit goalie Petr Mrazek looked a lot more confident in the net than he did in a 5-4 loss to the New York Islanders on Sunday. In the final minute of the period, Alex Chiasson was called for slashing on Mrazek, so the Red Wings will open the third with 1:16 left on a power play. SECOND PERIOD Red Wings 1, Senators 0 (0:43): Alex Chiasson is called for slashing on goalie Petr Mrazek. Mrazek had the puck secured on the ice, but Chiasson started to hammer away at him with his stick. Dekeyser didn't like the play as he quickly tried to get his hands on the Ottawa forward. A large scrum behind the net between the teams didn't result in any further penalties. Red Wings 1, Senators 0 (4:49): Danny Dekeyser called for Detroit's fifth penalty of the game. Dekeyser called for cross-checking Kyle Turris. Red Wings 1, Senators 0 (7:02): The man advantage for the Red Wings is shortlived as Henrik Zetterberg is called for interference. Red Wings 1, Senators 0 (8:18): Red Wings kill the roughing penalty, and now will get a power play opportunity of its own. Eric Gryba is called for holding at 11:42. Red Wings 1, Senators 0 (10:48): Red Wings Jonahan Ericcsson and Senators Clarke Macarthur need to be separated by officials, and teammates. Ericcosson went after Macarthur after a stoppage of play in the Senators' zone. Ericcsson was called for a four minute roughing penalty while Daniel Cleary, Macarthur and Marc Methot were all called for two minute roughing penalties. 25

26 Red Wings 1, Senators 0 (14:17): Gustav Nyquist puts the Red Wings in front thanks to a turnover in the neutral zone by the Senators. Justin Abdelkader stole a pass intended for Patrick Wiercioch, and dumped it off to Nyquist. Nyquist flicked a wrist shot over Andrew Hammond's right shoulder. Red Wings 0, Senators 0 (19:59): The Ottawa Senators win the second period opening faceoff, and action is back underway at Joe Louis Arena. Michigan Live LOADED:

27 First-period analysis: Red Wings 0, Senators 0 Michael Niziolek By Michael Niziolek on March 31, 2015 at 8:22 PM, updated March 31, 2015 at 8:30 PM DETROIT -- The Detroit Red Wings didn't get off to a strong start against the Ottawa Senators Tuesday night in game that has strong implications in the Eastern Conference playoff chase. Through 12 minutes of the opening period, the Red Wings only managed one shot on opposing goalie Andrew Hammond, and went into the first intermission with only five shots on goal. Senators forward Mark Stone almost managed that many shots by himself. Stone had four shots on goal in the first period while defender Erik Karlsson had three. The Red Wings might have needed a few minutes to refocus after Drew Miller suffered a scary injury when he took a skate to the face less than two minutes into the game. Miller skated straight off the ice into the tunnel holding his face. Later in the period, the Red Wings said he suffered two deep lacerations near his right eye, but there was no nerve damage. His return was considered doubtful. FIRST PERIOD UPDATES Red Wings 0, Senators 0 (1:33): Drew Miller has been ruled out with two deep lacerations to his right eye. There doesn't appear to be any nerve damage to the. His return is doubtful. Red Wings 0, Senators 0 (8:00): Red Wings being outshot 12-1 in the first period. Ottawa forward Mark Stone already has four shots in the game while Clarke Macarthur also has more shots than entire Detroit team with two. Red Wings 0, Senators 0 (13:00): Red Wings kill the penalty, but Senators are getting solid looks at goalie Petr Mrezak. He had to make a pair of saves with his pads during the power play to keep the game scoreless. Red Wings 0, Senators 0 (15:49): The first penalty of the night was called on Red Wings defender Kyle Quincey for interference. Red Wings 0, Senators 0 (18:15): Red Wings forward Drew Miller is out with an injury that appeared to be a cut from Mark Stone's skate. He skated right off the ice, and into the tunnel, holding his face. Michigan Live LOADED:

28 Detroit Red Wings' Drew Miller cut in face by skate blade but suffers no damage to his eye Ansar Khan By Ansar Khan on March 31, 2015 at 8:20 PM, updated March 31, 2015 at 10:07 PM DETROIT -- Detroit Red Wings forward Drew Miller suffered two deep lacerations around his right eye after being cut by a skate blade Tuesday, but he did not suffer any damage to the eye, the club said. Miller was cut at 1:04 of the first period, following a defensive-zone faceoffs, when Mark Stone lost his balance and swung his skate in the air, catching Miller in the face. He rushed to the dressing room. The Red Wings said his return is doubtful. "We saw the skate go up and Millsie go down and some panic in his eyes," Darren Helm said during a first-intermission interview on Fox Sports Detroit. "You call tell he's pretty seriously hurt. It will be nice to go and see how he is doing. It's a scary moment." This was Miller's 158th consecutive game, the longest current streak on the team. He is one of the club's top penalty-killing forwards. "He's a big part of the team; he's loved by everybody," Helm said. "It's tough to see a guy like that, or anybody, get cut. You shake it off as best you can. You're thinking about him but you know we have a hockey game to win." Michigan Live LOADED:

29 Stone's shootout goal lifts Senators over Red Wings 2-1 Posted: 03/31/15, 10:39 PM EDT Updated: 51 mins ago DETROIT (AP) >> Mark Stone scored the final goal in the shootout, and the Ottawa Senators beat the Detroit Red Wings 2-1 on Tuesday night. Mika Zibanejad and Kyle Turris also had shootout goals for the Senators. Clarke MacArthur scored in the third period, and Andrew Hammond, who missed the previous two games because of a lower-body injury, returned and made 16 saves. Petr Mrazek stopped 33 shots for Detroit, which got a regulation and shootout goal from Gustav Nyquist. Tomas Tatar also scored in the shootout. Nyquist opened the scoring early in the second when his wrist shot zipped past Hammond s right side. Ottawa s MacArthur tied it late in the third when his slap shot nicked Mrazek s glove before going in. The win, coupled with Boston s 3-2 victory over Florida, kept the Senators three points behind the Bruins in the race for eighth place in the Eastern Conference. Macomb Daily LOADED:

30 Wings look to extend Senators' losing streak Tuesday KEVIN CHROUST AP MAR 31, :32a ET Jasen Vinlove Detroit has had no such scoring concerns with four goals in four straight games, the problem is four hasn't been enough. Neither the Detroit Red Wings nor the Ottawa Senators are winding down the regular season in particularly strong form. The difference between the two clubs is one has a playoff cushion to work with while the other's margin for error is closing. The Senators are the more desperate team, and will try to halt a three-game skid Tuesday night in Detroit while also closing the gap with Boston for the Eastern Conference's final wild-card spot (7 p.m. pregame, 7:30 face-off on FOX Sports Detroit). Ottawa's span has coincided with an injury to goaltender Andrew Hammond, who had been with a 1.58 goals-against average as a starter prior to allowing five goals on 22 shots in Thursday's 5-1 home loss to the New York Rangers. Hammond was pulled in the second period, and it was revealed he wasn't 100 percent after a collision in a March 23 win over San Jose. The rookie missed the two games following the loss to the Rangers. Ottawa has surrendered 13 goals in the last three with Hammond either out or less than full strength, including a 4-2 home loss to Florida on Sunday. Craig Anderson faced the Panthers and also suffered a 4-3 overtime loss in Toronto on Saturday. The Senators ( ) are three points back of the Bruins but have a game in hand, while Detroit ( ) is three points ahead of Boston and like Ottawa has seven games remaining. "If you panic, things don't usually go your way," said Hammond, who practiced Monday. Hammond isn't the Senators' only goalie at less than 100 percent. Anderson is still dealing with a hand injury and has allowed at least three goals in each game during a span. The Senators are also concerned with scoring struggles that have limited them to six goals in three games. "It's never easy but we need to find a way," Mika Zibanejad said. Detroit has had no such scoring concerns with four goals in four straight games. The problem is four hasn't been enough, with the Red Wings falling to in that stretch after Sunday's 5-4 road loss to the New York Islanders. 30