SALT LAKE CITY — Detroit Red Wings goaltender Petr Mrazek left Monday night`s game against the Utah Hockey Club early in the first period due to an apparent lower-body injury. The Red Wings won the game 5-1.
The injury occurred 1:38 into the game when Utah forward Dylan Guenther collided with Mrazek in the net during a breakaway attempt. Mrazek`s stick flew across the ice after the contact. He then limped off the ice and went to the locker room. Alex Lyon took over as goalie.
Lyon made 16 saves in the game against Utah. Prior to Monday`s game, Lyon had an 11-8-1 record as a starter this season, with a 2.77 goals-against average and a .900 save percentage.
“I’m just staying ready every day,” Lyon commented. “If you stay ready, you don’t need to get ready.”
Red Wings coach Todd McLellan stated that Mrazek will not be available for Tuesday night`s game against Colorado, the final game of Detroit`s four-game road trip. Mrazek will undergo further evaluation on Wednesday when the team returns to Detroit.
This season, Mrazek has a 12-21-2 record in 35 starts, with a 3.35 goals-against average and a .891 save percentage.
McLellan praised Lyon for his performance after entering the game unexpectedly early.
“Alex performed admirably entering a tough situation just a minute into the game, when you least expect it,” McLellan said. “After allowing the first shot, he really settled down and played a strong game.”
Tristan Blackwood