Petr Mrazek: 'It's a huge chance'

Red Wings' rookie goalie will start playoffs

DETROIT – The Red Wings hit the ice Monday at Joe Louis Arena as they prepare for their first round matchup with the Tampa Bay Lightning.

The talk of Hockeytown for days has been who will start between the pipes.

"Mrazek was good last game. Howie was good down the stretch when he was playing," Henrik Zetterberg said. "Whoever we're going with here, we're comfortable with."

Coach Mike Babcock put everyone's questions to bed pretty quickly after practice.

"Pete Mrazek is starting," he said.

Babcock made his decision following Saturday's shutout win over the Hurricanes in which Mrazek made 35 saves.

"I just think he's a competitive guy," Babcock said of Mrazek. "I like what he's done for us thus far, he's a good puck handler. He's a competitive kid. I think he will relish this opportunity."

"I'm excited," Mrazek said.

The 23-year-old was in net for the Grand Rapids Griffins when they beat the Lightning's AHL team for the Calder Cup in 2013. Thursday night will be his first NHL playoff game.

"It's a huge chance," he said. "It's the same chance I had in Grand Rapids in the playoffs. This is a new challenge for me."

Mrazek finished the season 16-9-2 with a 2.38 goals against average and three shutouts. Jimmy Howard was 23-13-11 with 2.44 goals against average and two shutouts.

Both men were informed of the decision before practice.

"Individual time is over. It's all about the Detroit Red Wings right now," Babcock said.

Justin Abdelkader skated Monday, but did not participate fully in practice. He is day-to-day and it is unclear if he will be ready for Game 1 of the series Thursday night.

Babcock confirmed Alexey Marchenko will get a chance on the blue line, but would not say which defenseman would sit out.


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Jamie anchors sports coverage on Local 4 News Saturdays at 6 & 11 p.m. and Sunday at 6 p.m., in addition to hosting Sports Final Edition.