Howard pulled as Lightning pound Red Wings

The Detroit Red Wings needed a big game from Jimmy Howard on Tuesday. Unfortunately, they didn't give their goalie much help.

Howard was pulled 33 seconds into the second period against the Tampa Bay Lightning, after allowing his third goal on 16 shots. He was replaced by Petr Mrazek, who didn't fare much better. Mrazek allowed three goals on 18 shots, and Detroit lost 6-2.

The Lightning move into a tie with the Florida Panthers for first place in the Atlantic Division with the win.

Detroit had a brutal first period, outshot 15-7. The first shot of the second period went in past Howard, and out he went from the game.

Howard won his last start, Saturday in Florida, but has a save percentage better than .910 in only one of his five March games. He'll be the first to admit he has to be better.

The Red Wings entered Tuesday a point up on the Philadelphia Flyers for the second wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference. The Flyers lost in a shootout, but move into playoff position by gaining a point, bumping Detroit. Both teams have 83 points, but the Flyers have a game in hand.