Red Wings forced to use sick Jonathan Bernier after Howard hurt

Jimmy Howard is in noticeable pain during the sequence and John Tavares scores shortly after. Howard had to be helped off the ice and was replaced by Jonathan Bernier.

The Detroit Red Wings were forced to use ailing backup goalie Jonathan Bernier on Wednesday night against the Toronto Maple Leafs when Jimmy Howard exited the game.

Bernier was supposed to get the start, but was a late scratch with an illness.

Howard started instead, but had to leave after Toronto’s third goal with an apparent groin injury.

He appeared to be in discomfort while Toronto controlled play in the Red Wings’ zone. When John Tavares scored, Howard doubled over in pain and was seen limping down the team’s tunnel.

There was a brief pause in the game for Bernier to get dressed. The Red Wings’ emergency backup goalie is Josh Block, who serves as the team’s practice goalie.

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