Red Wings turn to Mrazek for Game 3 start

The Detroit Red Wings are hoping a change in net sparks a turnaround in their series.

Down 2-0 to the Tampa Bay Lightning, head coach Jeff Blashill has tabbed Petr Mrazek as his starting goalie for Sunday's Game 3.

The decision came after Jimmy Howard allowed seven goals on 64 shots in consecutive losses to open the postseason.

Jimmy Howard says he found out on the plane ride home after Game 2 he wasn't starting in goal Game 3.

- Craig Custance (@CraigCustance) April 17, 2016

"First of all, Jimmy has done a good job through two games," Blashill said, according to the Detroit Free Press' Helene St. James. "So it's certainly not a matter of him not doing a good enough job.

"We've got a really good goalie in Mrazek, who has had a history of success. Last year, he did a really good job against Tampa, so we made the decision to put Petr in."

Mrazek, 24, appeared in all seven playoff games against the Lightning last season, posting a save percentage of .925 and dropping a 2-0 decision in a series-deciding Game 7.

He also posted better numbers than Howard during the regular season, and will have the opportunity to get Detroit back in the series with a win on home ice.

Defenseman Brendan Smith, previously a healthy scratch, will also draw into the lineup.

Blashill on Smith: "Brendan wasn't out because he was playing bad. He was out because I have 7 good defensemen & I have to choose 6." #LGRW

- Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) April 17, 2016

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