Detroit Red Wings goaltender Jimmy Howard is expected to be sidelined for two to four weeks while recovering from a slight groin tear suffered Saturday in a 3-1 loss to the Washington Capitals.
Howard, a former University of Maine star, will miss the NHL All-Star Game scheduled for Jan. 25 in Columbus, Ohio. Just hours before Howard was injured, he was selected to play in the game for the second time in his career.
The Red Wings filled his spot on the Detroit roster with Tom McCollum from Grand Rapids of the American Hockey League. McCollum will serve as the backup to 22-year-old Petr Mrazek, who has made 15 career NHL starts.
In 32 games this season, Howard has a 16-7-7 record with a 2.11 goals-against average and a .920 save percentage.