Goalie Recalled to Detroit, Defenseman Returns to Griffins

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - The Detroit Red Wings on Monday recalled goaltender Jimmy Howard from the Grand Rapids Griffins and assigned defenseman Brett Lebda to the American Hockey League team.

Howard, 21, served as a backup to Manny Legace during each of the Red Wings first nine games this season before being sent to Grand Rapids on Oct. 24. He made his pro debut with the Griffins last Friday, earning second star honors with 39 saves and contributing an assist in a 6-2 win over Iowa.

In two games with Grand Rapids, Howard shows a 1-0-1 record with a 3.38 GAA and a 0.905 save percentage.

Lebda has appeared in four games for Detroit this year, collecting two goals, three points and a plus-three rating. In last nights 4-1 win over Chicago he tallied the game-winning goal on the power play during the second period.

The 23-year-old blueliner has played in eight of the Griffins nine games this season, totaling two goals, five points and a plus-four rating.