DETROIT -- Detroit Red Wings goaltending coach Jim Bedard was the one who informed Jimmy Howard that he would not be starting Tuesday. Once Bedard got the text from head coach Mike Babcock, Bedard called Howard and told him it would instead be youngster Petr Mrazek between the pipes when the Red Wings host the Ottawa Senators.

The decision was a bit of a surprise, considering both netminders have struggled recently, raising questions about the strength of the team's goaltending heading into the playoffs. And although some will be quick to label this a goaltending controversy, or an indictment of Howard, Bedard sees it as neither.

He sees this as a good thing, and he told Howard exactly that in a conversation between them a few days ago.

"I said, 'Jimmy ... from the time you start [and] if you finish as a Red Wing, it’s going to be 10, 11 years. Did you think nobody was going to come here and try to knock you out of your spot?'" Bedard said. "C'mon. I'd like to see it happen more."

Pushing Howard is exactly what Mrazek is here to do. The 23-year-old filled in capably when Howard was injured earlier this season and delivered some stellar performances -- enough to make Babcock confident in turning to Mrazek when the incumbent has struggled.

Babcock named Mrazek the starter for Saturday's game against the Tampa Bay Lightning after a rough outing for Howard against the San Jose Sharks, and Mrazek came in to post a 23-save shutout. And though he was yanked the next day after surrendering four goals on 11 shots against the New York Islanders, Babcock decided to return to Mrazek again for Tuesday's match.

"I did the same last week," Babcock said. "I thought Howie had a couple good games. He had a tough one -- [but] I went right back to him. I thought Pete's done a good job for us. Didn't do as good a job the other night against the Islanders, so I'm giving him the same opportunity. Obviously, one of these guys has got to grab it."

Mrazek is well-regarded for his puck-handling skills, his game management, his competitiveness and composure. He has thrived in high-pressure situations, such as when he led the AHL-affiliate Grand Rapids Griffins to a Calder Cup championship in 2013, and when he was named the World Juniors tournament's top goaltender in 2012.

He relishes those types of opportunities and is eager to prove himself now.

"When you're playing under pressure, that's the best thing you can do," Mrazek said. "It's the best way to be the best."

After Mrazek held court with reporters following Tuesday's morning skate, Howard ambled through the dressing room, slowly shedding his gear while Babcock explained his decision to start Mrazek to a large throng of media members just a few feet away.

Howard wasn't sulking. He didn't even seem to be eavesdropping on the junket at all. When he fielded inquiries of his own, he said all the right things.

"He's my teammate. I only want what's best for him," Howard said of Mrazek. "I support him."

But Howard is a competitor and is determined to get back to playing where he needs to be. He knows he could use the midseason injury as a convenient cop-out, but he refuses to cite that for his inconsistent play lately.

Howard has instead been working doggedly on tracking the puck, his quickness when coming out from behind the net, and getting back to the basics while relying on his instincts. Bedard refers to it as "clearing the cobwebs." Meanwhile, Howard is doing his best to block out all the noise that continues to increase as the playoffs draw near.

"Been around it for six years now," Howard said. "It's no different than any other year. It's playoffs, right around the corner."

Howard could not have been happy to answer these questions, nor can he be happy to be in this position, especially considering how well he played during the first half of the season -- good enough to earn an All-Star selection.

But here he is, and he’s got to find a way out.

"When my number's called again, I will be out there and I will play and I will be good," Howard said.

Bedard, who has been with Detroit for 17 seasons, is savvy enough to recognize the pressure his tandem faces, but he remains nonplussed. He treats the situation with a sort of frank pragmatism.

"There's not a parade every day," he said.

As for Howard? Bedard isn't worried. He's confident that, in facing what might be the biggest challenge of his career, Howard will prove his mettle.

"This is a tough gig. I think he's a very tough mental goaltender -- tough mentally. I've seen him in a lot of real hairy situations and he's passed a lot of tests," Bedard said. "He's going to pass this one."

So while there might be an outside perception of controversy, or some sense of panic, Bedard thinks that can be a good thing for Howard. And ultimately for the Red Wings.

"I'm glad," Bedard said. "Let's see what he's made of. I think what he's made of is all good."