Petr Mrazek has been overflowing with confidence. (Jasen Vinlove, USA TODAY Sports)

What happens in the Detroit Red Wings’ game Sunday against the New York Islanders might have a profound impact on how coach Mike Babcock uses his goaltenders down the stretch.

With Jimmy Howard struggling, Petr Mrazek could become prominent in Babcock’s plans if he has another strong outing. Mrazek posted a 4-0 shutout against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Saturday in what seemed like a must-win situation. In addition to Howard’s slump, the Red Wings had not defeated the Lightning this season before Saturday.

Earlier in the week, Babcock had said Howard was the team’s No. 1 goalie until he wasn’t.  After playing well earlier in the season, Howard has struggled since returning from a groin muscle injury.

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He has surrendered eight goals in his past 32 shots and has looked shockingly out of sync. His save percentage has been been below .900 since his injury. In Howard’s last 13 appearances, he has given up three or more goals seven times.

He has looked like a player trying to regain his confidence. Meanwhile, young Mrazek is known for his overflowing confidence. He has given up an occasional bad goal but has never seemed to let goals bother him. He is 15-7-1 this season.

Given that the Boston Bruins and Ottawa Senators are too close to the third-place Red Wings, Babcock likely will give Mrazek the lion’s share of the goaltending duties if he continues to perform at a high level.

The Red Wings can’t afford to allow Howard to work out of his slump while on the job.

Your games tonight

Washington at N.Y. Rangers, 3, NHL Network

Florida at Ottawa, 5

Detroit at N.Y. Islanders, 5

Boston at Carolina, 5

Calgary at Nashville, 5

Anaheim at New Jersey, 7

San Jose at Pittsburgh, 7:30, NBC Sports Network

Chicago at Winnipeg, 7:30

Follow the rest of USA TODAY Sports’ in-depth NHL coverage at nhl.usatoday.com.