DETROIT -- The Detroit Red Wings have recalled forward Tomas Tatar and goaltender Petr Mrazek from the Grand Rapids Griffins, general manager Ken Holland said.

Mrazek's promotion could enable the Red Wings to

. Howard has started all eight games this season. The Red Wings play back-to-back home games Saturday (Edmonton) and Sunday (Los Angeles).

Mrazek is having a strong rookie season with the Griffins. He is 16-7-1, with a 2.26 goals-against average and .916 save percentage. He played in the AHL All-Star game and recorded his first shutout as a pro on Saturday, 1-0 over Abbotsford.

Goalie Tom McCollum, who backed up Howard the past six games, was reassigned to the Griffins.

Detroit's regular backup, Jonas Gustavsson, has been idled since Jan. 22 with a groin injury. He hasn't skated since Wednesday and it is uncertain when he will return.

, after being out since March 14 with a bulging disc. MacDonald can be sent to Grand Rapids for a maximum two-week conditioning stint.

Tatar, who notched a hat trick Friday in a 5-1 win at Hamilton, has 19 goals and 20 assists in 44 games with the Griffins. His 39 points rank second on the club to Gustav Nyquist.

Tatar played in nine games with the Red Wings in 2010-11, picking up one goal.

Holland said the Red Wings have no new injuries. The latest injury was to defenseman Brendan Smith, who is out a minimum of 10-to-14 days after hurting his shoulder in

.