Avalanche Preview

Detroit comes into tonight's game after a solid 5-0 win after last night's win. With a win tonight the Wings could jump the idle Sharks and Bruins to go to 1st in the League in points. On the other end of the spectrum in the Western Conference lies tonight's opponent, the Colorado Avalanche.

Colorado outlook: Colorado recently lost to the NHL worst Islanders and things don't look to be much better after being sellers at the trade deadline; sending Jordan Leopold, one of their better defenders to Calgary for 2 players. The Avs have no clear cut starter in goal as each have double digit losses and less than 20 wins, probably more of a case of who has the hotter hand of late. The good news for the Avs? They've won all three contests against us this year and look to sweep tonight.

Detroit outlook: The Wings lost one of their offensive stars for an unknown amount of time last night as Marian Hossa crashed head first into the boards, he's currently listed as day-to-day. The good news? The Avs have lost 5 straight games and 7 of their last 10. This could be a "trap game" for the Wings though following a big and physical win last night. Detroit needs to play its style of hockey: using puck control and superb passing to wear down the opposing team.

What to look for: Look for Filppula to try and get back in the groove again following his 19 game goal drought. Babcock hasn't said if Ozzie or Conklin will start, but both goalies are still looking to erase the memory of the 8-0 game. How the Avs defense handles the absence of Leopold. How the Wings offense deals without Hossa (again)

Puck drops at 9 PM Eastern Time, or 5 AM Moscow time.

Unfortunately, I will not be able to watch all of the game. Virginia Tech plays UNC in basketball tonight and I gotta go out and support my Hokies! But, as always, GO WINGS!