Howard or Mrazek: Who starts playoffs in net for Red Wings?

DETROIT – Red Wings coach Mike Babcock has a decision to make.

Goalie Petr Mrazek will start the team's final regular season game Saturday night in Carolina and the rookie's performance against the Hurricanes could decide whether he or Jimmy Howard gets the start in the opening round of the playoffs. 

The Red Wings have been searching for some stability in net over the past few weeks. Both Mrazek and Howard have had their struggles. Howard allowed a couple goals Thursday night in Montreal that he and the team can't afford.

Regular season stats: 

Howard: 53 GP, 23W, 13L, 11 OT, .910 SV%, 2.44 GAA, 2 SO

Mrazek: 28 GP, 15 W, 9 L, 2 OT, .914 SV%, 2.48 GAA, 2 SO

Mrazek has been on a roller coaster in his past four starts. He was pulled March 29 after allowing 4 goals on 11 shots against the Islanders. He bounced back with 33 saves (.971 SV%) against the Ottawa Senators, but the Wings lost in a shootout. Then he lost against the Bruins and Capitals. A soft 3rd period goal against the Bruins was his low point. 

Howard started this season so well that he made the All-Star game with 16 wins. Then he got hurt, missed the All-Star game and hasn't been the same since returning. However, he's shown he can still play at a high level, just not consistently. On March 4, he stole two points for the Red Wings in a game against the New York Rangers by making 39 saves (.975 SV%). Yet, since that game it has been up-and-down for Howard. Some games he has shined, others he has allowed soft goals. 

So here we are: The Red Wings are about to enter the playoffs with no clear No. 1 goaltender. Howard has the experience and should be considered the starter. He has 45 playoff games under his belt (21-24). But his inconsistency has created the question mark. 

Mrazek, 23, has never played in a NHL playoff game. He has playoff experience -- lots of it -- at the AHL level. In fact, he notched 15 postseason wins when the Grand Rapids Griffins won the Calder Cup in 2013. It really doesn't mean much, though. The Tampa Bay Lightning, Montreal Canadiens and New York Rangers would destroy any AHL team, no matter who is in net. 

Babcock has to decide whether to give the inconsistent veteran the start or throw the rookie -- who has suffered his own inconsistencies -- into the fire. 

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