Red Wings' Petr Mrazek stealing starting role from Jimmy Howard as team slowly slides

He may not be perfect, but Petr Mrazek has seemingly become the go-to guy for the Detroit Red Wings. 

The team dropped a 2-1 decision to the Ottawa Senators in a shootout Tuesday, but Mrazek's play was strong enough to gain him the confidence of head coach Mike Babcock and control of the net. 

"I thought Mrazek did a real good job and he'll get the start against Boston," Babcock told reporters after the game. "Then his job is to do it again. That's the great thing about the goaltending position, if you do it every night, you get to play every night."

It appears Babcock is prepared to ride Mrazek until he falters dramatically.

The 23-year-old has suited up in his team's last four games despite a save percentage of .876 over that span. Though Jimmy Howard's .842 save percentage over his past four games indicates why. Both goalies have been pulled at least once during those games. 

In the meantime, the Red Wings dropped 10 of 15 games in the month of March, and while they still hold the third spot in the Atlantic Division, the team is now just two points ahead of the Boston Bruins. 

The Wings are hoping to make the playoffs for the 24th straight year, but will need a strong finish to the season, and that starts with the new designated number one goalie.