It was a backup goaltender showdown. Jeff Zatkoff got the start for the Kings, while Jared Coreau was between the pipes for the Red Wings.
Detroit is reeling from the knee sprain that has afflicted Jimmy Howard. Among qualified goaltenders, Howard ranks 3rd in save percentage and 4th in GAA.
The Red Wings will try to get back into the thick of the Eastern Conference playoff hunt with a combination of Petr Mrazek and Coreau while Howard remains out for the next few weeks. Coreau’s performance tonight was especially promising for the team going forward.
The scratches for the Kings were the same as their last game: Tom Gilbert, Andy Andreoff, and Matt Greene.