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Howard pulled again, calls his performance ‘unacceptable’

Detroit Red Wings v New Jersey Devils

NEWARK, NJ - DECEMBER 11: Jimmy Howard #35 of the Detroit Red Wings takes a break during the game against the New Jersey Devils at the Prudential Center on December 11, 2015 in Newark, New Jersey. The Devils defeated the Red Wings 3-2 in overtime. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

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Jimmy Howard’s last two starts have each ended the same way.

With him on the bench.

The Red Wings’ goalie was yanked again last night in Winnipeg, same as a week before versus New Jersey. He allowed four goals on 14 shots versus the Jets. It was three goals on just six shots against the Devils. Detroit went on to lose both games in regulation.

“It wasn’t good enough for the guys once again,” Howard told MLive. “It wasn’t good enough and I need to be better. ... It’s unacceptable.”

His coach, Jeff Blashill, was considerably more supportive, saying he wasn’t worried about the 31-year-old, and that the Red Wings didn’t do enough to help their netminder out.

Of course, Blashill ended his supportive remarks by saying “but obviously we need to get some wins here.” So safe to say Petr Mrazek will get the start Thursday versus Pittsburgh. The Wings have lost three of their last four.

Howard is 7-5-4 with a .910 save percentage. He’s signed through 2018-19 with a $5.3 million cap hit.

Mrazek is 11-7-3 with a .927 save percentage. He’s a pending restricted free agent.