Jimmy Howard (lower body) will be unavailable for Sunday's game against the Avalanche, Ted Kulfan of the Detroit News reports.

Howard (lower body) will be unavailable for Sunday's game against the Avalanche, Ted Kulfan of the Detroit News reports.

Analysis:

Red Wings general manager Ken Holland said the team is optimistic that Howard won't be on the shelf for long after suffering a lower-body injury Friday night, but he'll have to sit for at least one game. The Red Wings recalled Thomas McCollum to assume backup duties in the interim, while Petr Mrazek likely makes the start in place of Howard on Sunday against the Avalanche.