The Red Wings signed goaltender Joey MacDonald to a one-year, two-way contract in July, believing he would be a good insurance policy.

They didn't anticipate having to cash in on that policy. The Wings have had to turn to MacDonald after injuries to starter Jimmy Howard (sprained left shoulder) and backup Chris Osgood (sports hernia surgery). And the journeyman MacDonald has been solid, easing concern about the position by giving his club a chance to win almost every time he's put in net.

MacDonald stopped 39 shots Monday in a 3-2 overtime loss to the Chicago Blackhawks. He is expected to start again Wednesday at home against St. Louis.

"We have confidence in him," Detroit captain Nicklas Lidstrom said. "He's played a few games for us, and I think he's been playing well. It's not easy for goalies coming in like that."

MacDonald had a goal-less streak of 112 minutes and 39 seconds snapped on Monday. He is 5-4-3 with a 2.13 goals-against average and .928 save percentage.

"It's good to get back in and play the whole game," MacDonald said. "It's tough coming in relief the last couple of games, but that's the life of a backup goaltender. You got to be ready all the time."

MacDonald, 31, started the season with the Grand Rapids Griffins but has been with the Red Wings almost exclusively since Jan. 9, two days before Osgood had sports hernia surgery.

BLACKHAWKS 3, RED WINGS 2 (OT): The Blackhawks needed the two points more than the Wings and played with more desperation. They spent more time in the offensive zone, pressuring Detroit's defense and putting pucks on the net. Joey MacDonald did what he could by stopping 39 shots. But he was helpless to defend Marian Hossa's one-timer 51 seconds into overtime. Chicago scored twice on the power play, and that was the difference. Detroit hung tight, getting goals from Nicklas Lidstrom and Henrik Zetterberg.

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