Jimmy Howard took a shot by Columbus forward Derick Brassard near the top of the right knee when his pad twisted. (John Grieshop/Getty Images)
Detroit -- One of the Red Wings' walking wounded, Jimmy Howard (knee bruise) did some individual workouts but won't be ready to play against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Tuesday.
Howard worked out with goaltending coach Jim Bedard at practice, and is aiming to get back in net Thursday in St. Louis.
"I was hoping I'd be ready (for Pittsburgh), it was progressing every single day," said Howard, who still had difficulty getting up and down.
"We (he and Bedard) did some skating. The only problem I had was getting up and down, Now we're hoping, unlesssomething drastically changes overnight, we're aiming for Thursday."
Howard took a shot by Columbus forward Derick Brassard near the top of the right knee when his pad twisted.
"My pad kind of slid and I took it right off the top of the knee," Howard said. "It really hurt. Everything swelled. We're just waiting for the swelling to go out."
Joey MacDonald will start in goal against the Penguins.
Goalie likes challenge
Speaking of MacDonald, he was eager to get the start against the Penguins.
"It's a good challenge whenever you face a team like that," he said. "I'm excited about it. You boost your own game, too."
Knowing he's starting, he can prepare and relax.
"It's a totally different mind-frame when you know you're the guy and it's a couple of days before," MacDonald said.
"I've played them before when I was in New York (Islanders). It's not the first time; you know their shooters and strategy. I'll go in with that mind-set."
By the numbers
12: Goals for Patrick Eaves — his career high is 20
5: Danny Cleary's team-high winning goals
50: Jonathan Ericsson's team-high penalty minutes
Medical marvels
The list of Red Wings who've played all 45 games isn't very long. Here they are:
Henrik Zetterberg
Nicklas Lidstrom
Todd Bertuzzi
Niklas Kronwall
Darren Helm
Note: Ruslan Salei, Johan Franzen and Tomas Holmstrom have missed one each (Holmstrom will miss more because of a fractured right hand).
Even strength
The Red Wings rank third in the league in goals scored while at even strength.
1. Philadelphia — 109 goals
2. Colorado — 103
3. Detroit — 101
4. Chicago — 99
5. Vancouver — 96
Quote of the week
"It's ridiculous."
-- Tomas Holmstrom, Red Wings forward, on injury situation, minutes after breaking his hand
ted.kulfan@detnews.com(313) 223-4606
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