It looks like Red Wings goaltender Jimmy Howard will miss quite a bit more than the All-Star Game.
Wings general manager Ken Holland said an ultrasound done Monday confirmed what Sunday's MRI revealed -- that Howard has a slight groin tear and will miss two to four weeks.
Howard injured himself trying to get back to the net at 1:53 of the first period in Washington, D.C. Saturday night.
Howard was not able to get up past his hands and knees so trainer Piet Van Zant called for a stretcher.
Howard was helped onto the stretcher and taken off the ice.
The incident occurred a little more than an hour after Howard learned he was the Wings' only representative for the All-Star Game.
The Wings are also without backup goaltender Jonas Gustavsson, who dislocated his left shoulder against the New York Rangers Nov. 5.
Recovery was expected to be eight weeks but is now at 10 weeks.
Gustavsson has been practicing with the team for some time but doesn't seem to be close to returning.
Coach Mike Babcock was asked about Gustavsson after Tuesday's morning skate.
"No idea," Babcock told reporters in Buffalo. "I think we've done a real good job here, the guys that are playing, wearing a Red Wings uniform. If you're fortunate enough in your lifetime to wear it you have an obligation to wear it right. So whoever plays we expect you do well."
For now, the burden falls on 22-year-old Petr Mrazek, who is 5-3-1 with a 2.29 goals-against average and .916 save percentage.
Thomas McCollum was recalled from Grand Rapids to back up Mrazek.
