Red Wings activate Jimmy Howard off IR

Howard (groin) was activated from injured reserve Wednesday.

Analysis:

Howard reportedly is set to go through a full practice Thursday, at which point it may become more clear when he'll be ready for game action on the heels of a six-game injury layoff. Jared Coreau, a goalie prospect who has been reassigned to AHL Grand Rapids in a move that corresponds to Howard's IR transaction, showed flashes of potential in his NHL debut Saturday against a tough Penguins team -- couple that with complementary goalie Petr Mrazek getting back on track and you can see the silver lining behind Howard's absence. Still, the veteran backstop will be welcomed back with open arms, as Howard is ranked third in the league with a 1.82 GAA and .940 save percentage.