Online sportsbook: Red Wings’ Jimmy Howard to return Sunday

The Detroit Red Wings haven't missed starting goaltender Jimmy Howard too much, but the Wings will get even stronger on Sunday when Howard returns from injury and will start against the San Jose Sharks. Bet on Wings-Sharks at the WagerWeb.com online sportsbook.

Howard hasn't played since Feb. 2 because of a broken finger, and in his absence, AHL call-up Joey MacDonald has performed well; the Red Wings, behind MacDonald, set a new NHL record, winning their 21st consecutive home game on Tuesday, covering on the online sportsbook.

But Wings coach Mike Babcock has already announced that Howard will return Sunday. The Wings will be favored at the online sportsbook.

"Howie is starting against San Jose," Babcock said earlier this week. "We'll see what happens there. I don't know if that means he's starting against Nashville or not, but he's starting sooner or later. You can only get so much holiday time during the regular season. It's time for him to go."

However, there is an outside chance he might be ready for Friday night's home game against Central Division rival Nashville, which would affect the line at the online sportsbook. Babcock let his coaching staff know to slot Howard in as the starter against the Sharks -- but do it in pencil. Howard has been facing shots since Saturday and is progressing daily. At the time of his injury, he led the league in wins with 32 and was a Vezina Trophy candidate.

"Everything is fine," he said. "I've been through a couple of days, and I'm looking forward to going back out there and going through a whole practice where I don't have to come out of the net."

The time off might actually be a good thing for Howard. He is going to be Detroit's workhorse this postseason and he has not gotten a ton of rest this season. The injury gave the organization a chance to get him some much needed rest. The Wings are one of the Stanley Cup favorites at the WagerWeb.com online sportsbook.

When Howard is activated off injured reserve, the Wings will have to decide what to do about their backup situation. MacDonald has outplayed regular backup Ty Conklin during Howard's absence, so it's hard to think the Wings wouldn't put Conklin on waivers. It's unlikely another team would claim him, and a stint in the minors might just help him regain his confidence.