Petr Mrazek will defend the net Saturday afternoon, taking on the Penguins at home, Dana Wakiji of The Detroit News reports.

Mrazek will defend the net Saturday afternoon, taking on the Penguins at home, Dana Wakiji of The Detroit News reports.

Analysis:

Nevermind that it's fellow goalie Jimmy Howard's birthday, the Red Wings desperately need this win to increase their chances of making the playoffs and Mrazek gives them the best shot for success. The Slovakian netminder owns a 2.26 GAA on the season despite that rate being a full point higher in the month of March.