The timing couldn’t be worse for Howard, who has a 1.82 G.A.A. and a .940 save percentage through his first 12 games.

Jimmy Howard is expected to miss at least a week after suffering a groin injury in Friday night’s 5-4 overtime win against the New Jersey Devils.

Howard made two saves in just over 11 minutes of action before leaving in favor of Petr Mrazek.

Wings’ coach Jeff Blashill believes Howard was injured after getting his skate caught in the ice.

The timing couldn’t be worse for Howard, who has a 1.82 G.A.A. and a .940 save percentage through his first 12 games of the season while cementing himself as the club’s starter.

Mrazek meanwhile has a 3.18 G.A.A. and an .897 save percentage through 12 appearances.

“We know Petr is a big-time goalie in this league,” Blashill said per the Detroit Free Press. “He’s proven that lots of times throughout his career. I’ve got tons of belief in Petr.”

In Howard’s absence the club has recalled goaltender Jared Coreau from the AHL’s Grand Rapids Griffins. The 25-year-old is 8-5-0 with a .923 save percentage and a 2.39 G.A.A. in 13 games this season.