Red Wings remove Jimmy Howard from IR

Detroit Red Wings goalie Jimmy Howard was removed from injured reserve Wednesday.
Howard will take part in his first full practice Thursday after working out with Red Wings goaltending coach Jeff Salajko for several days without discomfort, according to the Detroit Free Press. Howard has been sidelined with a groin injury sustained in the first period against the New Jersey Devils on Nov. 25. Goalie Petr Mrazek has started six of the past seven games.

Howard is 5-5-0 with a 1.82 goals-against average and .940 save percentage in 12 appearances (11 starts).
Goaltender Jared Coreau and center Tomas Nosek were assigned to Grand Rapids of the American Hockey League. Coreau made 32 saves in his NHL debut, a 5-3 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins on Saturday.
Forward Andreas Athanasiou, out since spraining his left knee Nov. 10, also is expected to practice Thursday and could return during Detroit's five-game homestand that begins Friday against the Columbus Blue Jackets.