Red Wings goalie Jimmy Howard leaves in first period

NEWARK, N.J. (AP) — Detroit goalie Jimmy Howard left the Red Wings' game against the New Jersey Devils in the first period with a lower-body injury Friday night.

Howard left after 11:31 and went directly to the locker room. He was replaced by Petr Mrazek with Detroit ahead 2-1.

Howard had made two saves on three shots. He never appeared to be hurt during his time on the ice.

The 32-year-old goaltender was playing in his 12th game this season. He had a 5-5 record and an NHL fourth-best 1.76 goals against average entering the game.