Watching last night's crazy game between the Red Wings and Flyers -- a game where Philly trailed 5-1, came all the way back to briefly take a 6-5 lead and then ultimately loss by shootout -- it drove home just how severe the Red Wings problems are in goal.
Ville Husso is on IR and he's not having a particularly good season when healthy (3.53 GAA, .895 save percentage). Alex Lyon is also injured and, although he's had a strong season (2.14 GAA, .932 SV%) and had a hot run last season with Florida, tends to run hot and cold and is closer to an NHL/AHL tweener than a No.1 option. Last night's game was another reminder that while James Reimer (3.16 GAA, .897 SV%) is a good backup or 1B option, he's not someone who is going to carry a club for an extended stretch.
The Detroit goalie situation right now is such that the club signed veteran backup Michael Hutchinson to a two-way NHL contract for the rest of the season. He is a capable fill-in but not a long-term solution, either.
With the NHL trade freeze in place over the Christmas break, there won't be any player movement. They will have a few days to see how Husso and Lyon come along. However, for the Red Wings to earn a wildcard spot -- they're currently two points off the pace -- it's pretty obvious that the club needs to be in the market for a goaltending upgrade. They've got the quantity but need better quality.