Sports

It was also just his third appearance and first start. Gustavsson's tenure with Detroit has gotten off to a sluggish start because of a groin injury. "He earned himself more time in net and it never hurts to have competition, with people pushing each other," Red Wings coach Mike Babcock said. "The season is a grind and Howie (Jimmy Howard) needs a breather." Starting Sunday, Detroit will begin a stretch of five games in eight days, so Gustavsson won't have to wait long for his next start.