Red Wings At Blues Morning Open Thread: Jimmy Howard Out With Torn Groin Muscle

Red Wings goaltender and American Olympian Jimmy Howard was selected to represent his team in the 2015 Ugly Jersey Game in Columbus. He won't be making the trip, though.

This happened Saturday night, putting Howard out for a month with a pulled groin:

It's rare that an injury video gives me sympathy heebie-jeebies, but that one did. Any injury is unfortunate; this one seems particularly cruel because Howard is having his best season in a while. Petr Mrazek will more than likely be in net tonight against the Blues. Mrazek is no pushover. Howard has a tiny 2.11 GAA this year; Mrazek has a 2.16. This won't be a case of the Blues getting a break because the backup is in net. The last time Mrazek saw the Blues, he shut out the depleted team 3-0 in the season finale.

The Blues aren't that team, though. They're riding a five game winning streak, and the only player that they'll be missing tonight is Steve Ott, who has the flu.

This is your morning open thread. Check back later for part four for Rick's Sweden Saga, your preview, and while you're waiting why don't you see what our long lost friends over at Winging It In Motown are saying about tonight. I'm sure it's super complementary.