Red Wings' Petr Mrazek enjoys spot-start duty in the NHL

CALGARY, Alberta -- Petr Mrazek sees it this way: Better a game every two weeks in the NHL than nightly in the AHL.

Every appearance he does make in the NHL, after all, is helping him prep for the future he wants as a go-to in the league. He survived a couple of shaky situations Wednesday at the Saddledome to earn a 3-2 victory against the Flames on the strength of 28 saves.

"Mrazek was a little nervous early," coach Mike Babcock said. "After that, I thought he settled in and played real well. He's a good player."

Mason Raymond beat Mrazek 2:27 into the game on a wraparound after Mrazek had veered too far from his property. "It's just a goal," Mrazek said. "It's over and you have to battle. That was nice shot, and the rebound, he just wrapped it around the net. You just have to shake it off and get ready for the next one."

That came at 5:13 of the third period, as the Wings were on a power play, when Mikael Backlund forced Mrazek off balance.

The Flames put the puck in Detroit's net again with 1:20 to go in regulation, but the goal immediately was called off because Curtis Glencross was manhandling Mrazek even as Jonathan Ericsson rode Glencross into the net.

"The guy was in the crease," Mrazek said. "He got pushed by our guy and my mask just fell off. I think that was a good no call."

The game was Mrazek's first since Dec. 23, and eighth since being called up from Grand Rapids in early November. Mrazek was the Griffins' go-to goaltender, but lack of quantity is offset by quality.

"Games here so much better than in the AHL," he said, "so that if I play three or four games a month here, or seven or 10 in Grand Rapids, I think it's better I play here. I just have to be focused and go hard."

Mrazek improved to 5-2-1 this season. He'll remain with the Wings while Jonas Gustavsson recovers from a dislocated left shoulder (he's done light on-ice work since last week).

Every day he's here, Mrazek said "is helping you growing up and be NHL goalie. Every game I have here, it's helping me for the future."

Nyquist fined: Forward Gustav Nyquist was fined $2,000 by the NHL for a diving incident Dec. 29 at Boston, the league announced today. Nyquist was previously warned after a diving incident Nov. 28 at New Jersey.

Contact Helene St. James: hstjames@freepress.com. Follow her on Twitter @helenestjames.