BACK TO DETROIT

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Grand Rapids Griffins goaltender Jimmy Howard was recalled by the Detroit Red Wings on Friday.

Howard, 22, makes his second trip to Detroit this year, after dressing as the Red Wings’ backup for two games in early February. He has appeared in 34 games with the Griffins in 2006-07, posting a 16-14-1 record with a 2.81 goals against average and a 0.905 save percentage.

Howard’s 1-0 shootout decision against Hamilton on Saturday was his fourth shutout of the campaign, tying for fourth among AHL netminders and moving him into a tie for fourth on the Griffins’ career list (six) with Pokey Reddick. He is expected to serve as Chris Osgood’s backup tonight when the Red Wings host Chicago at 7:30 p.m.

Five members of the 2006-07 Griffins are now on the Red Wings’ roster, including forwards Matt Ellis, Valtteri Filppula, Matt Hussey and Josh Langfeld.