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Teammates like defenseman Brendan Smith really appreciate goaltender Petr Mrazek's ability to move the puck.

(The Associated Press)

DETROIT - Teammates say Detroit Red Wings goaltender Petr Mrazek is like another defenseman on the ice with his ability to move the puck.

Jonathan Ericsson said Mrazek sometimes makes better passes than the defensemen.

Stopping the puck, naturally, is a goalie's main responsibility, but those who can also pass it quickly and accurately provide a vital element.

"I don't know if I can put into words how important it is," defenseman Kyle Quincey said. "We don't get hit half as much and we don't spend as much time in our zone. Therefore, we don't give up as many shots, scoring chances.

"It's a blessing for sure when he can play the puck like that. He's one of the better goalies I've seen do it, so we're very fortunate to have him."

Mrazek was slated to make his third start in a row in place of the injured Jimmy Howard Saturday night against the Nashville Predators.

At age 22, Mrazek has almost mastered an ability it takes some goalies years to learn; others never quite get a handle on puck-handling. Coach Mike Babcock said it can't be underestimated.

"They (opponents) are not getting forechecks on you and wearing on your D because he can play the puck," Babcock said. "It's a real skill-set. It's part of his game. We give up (fewer) chances with Mrazek in net because of the way he plays the puck."

Mrazek handles it with confidence, coming out of his net to corral it and get it moving the other way in a hurry.

"I've always liked to move the puck, play it behind the net," Mrazek said. "When I stop it, if there's a chance to play it I try to (move it) faster so we don't spend more time in our zone."

Martin Brodeur, the NHL's all-time winningest goalie, might be the best-ever at moving the puck. That is who Mrazek studied.

"Marty Brodeur was outstanding at that," Mrazek said. "So every time when I was a kid I watched him, how he plays the puck. I was trying to be like him."

It is something Mrazek practices continually.

"I had great goalie coaches in Czech Republic and juniors in Ottawa and here with (goaltending coach) Jimmy Bedard as well," Mrazek said. "When you practice then you get used to it and are more confident every game."

Quincey said Mrazek's skill causes opponents to alter their strategy.

"We know if they rim it to (Mrazek), we're going to get out of our zone and he has the ability to make some plays that other goalies don't," Quincey said. "Now it puts pressure on the other team to keep it away from him. We kind of can play for those soft chips; we know it's going there. If it doesn't then we're OK because Petr's got us."

The implementation of the trapezoid in 2005-06, which prohibits goalies from handling the puck in the corners, hasn't diminished the importance of having a netminder who can play the puck.

"It's one of those things that's evolving in our game," defenseman Brendan Smith said. "You watch the best goalies; they all move the puck very well. What it does for a goalie and a team is you're not sustaining more pressure or more shots because you're out of your zone. You make that first play and you're playing in the offense zone.

"He's only going to get better. It's cool to see him do it."

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