PHILADELPHIA — The Detroit Red Wings lost one of their most important players during warmups Tuesday.

Goaltender Jimmy Howard, who has been a key reason the Wings are hunting a playoff spot, was not able to play after his back seized up before the game against the Philadelphia Flyers at Wells Fargo Center.

There was no immediate word on Howard's status. He received treatment during the game. The Wings next play Thursday at Carolina, but if Howard is unable to practice Wednesday, the Wings are expected to call up either Patrik Rybar or Harri Sateri from Grand Rapids. Rybar (2.52 goals-against average, .902 save percentage in 13 games) is having the better season but Sateri (3.32 goals-against average, .878 save percentage in 16 games) but Sateri has nine games of NHL experience.

The Wings had to use Philadelphia’s emergency goaltender as backup — standard protocol for visiting teams when one of its own goaltenders cannot be recalled in time. Justin Kowalkoski, a geologist by day, served as Jonathan Bernier's backup. He dressed last season as Pittsburgh's backup, but did not see any game action.

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Howard has played 23 games for the Wings (14-15-5), going 10-7-4 with a 2.69 goals-against average.

His play is better reflected by his .922 save percentage. Howard was one of the Wings’ most consistent performers as they struggled through a 1-7-2 start, and last week was the reason they beat Los Angeles, thanks to Howard's 42 saves.

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

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