Game Preview: Wings @ Sabres

Red Wings (50-19-9, 109 pts)
Sabres (38-31-9, 84 pts)

Coming off a big win at the Joe, the Wings look to make it two in a row against a Buffalo team fighting for a playoff berth down the stretch.

Sabres outlook: Buffalo is in need of a win if it wants to stay alive for a chance at the post season. The Sabres have been treading water lately at 4-4-2 over their last 10 and need to win out to ensure their own destiny. The team has lacked big name star power but still finds a way to get it done, thanks in large part to Ryan Miller minding the goal. The problem with the Sabres winning out? The schedule is as follows: Wings, Maple Leafs, Canes, Bruins. Only one of those is one that they're expected to win.

Red Wings outlook: Detroit is coming off a big win on the stick of Marian Hossa late in the third period against the Wild. Not much else you could ask for out of a player like him than to come through when its needed the most. Anyway, the Wings have four games left before the season ends and need all four to win the Conference most likely. San Jose has three games left and all three are against sub .500 teams so the President's Trophy and Western Conference title looks out of reach. Nevertheless, we need to win as many as possible to get ourselves on a roll for an opening round bout with a division rival most likely.

What to look for: The Sabres have a mediocre home record while the Wings have one of the league's best road records. Look for Detroit to tighten up it's defense but the Sabres could be able to stretch the Wings with their speed. From Buffalo: Derek Roy, Craig Rivet, Tomas Vanek, and Ryan Miller. From Detroit: I'm going with underdogs, Val Filppula, Tomas Kopecky (if he plays), and Brett Lebda. Okay...and Henrik Zetterberg.


Puck drops at 7 PM ET and the game can be seen on Versus, if you have it. GO WINGS!

Game Preview: Wild @ Wings

Detroit (49-19-9, 107 pts)
Minnesota (37-32-9, 83 pts)

Minnesota Outlook: The Wild are a bit of a jigsaw when it comes to predicting what you're gonna get out of them. They're second in fewest goals allowed in the league, as I write this San Jose allowed 2-knocking them down to 3rd. So they've allowed 189 goals but have only scored 11 more than they've allowed, but at least they're in the positive range (unlike fellow 8th seed candidates St. Louis, Nashville, & Edmonton). They're 2 pts down for a playoffs spot and are gonna be hungry for the playoffs coming into Hockeytown.

Detroit Outlook: The wings have been a bit on a slide recently (0-3, 5-4-1 last 10), but then again we don't need to win any of these games to keep our playoff hopes afloat. Vancouver/Calgary/Chicago can't catch us for 2 seed and we could finish with the 1 spot and home ice for the duration of the playoffs. Still we very much need to start getting back on the winning path. You can only take it so easy for so long or you're just going to end up hurting yourself for the start of the postseason. I don't know if Rafalski will be back but we sure did miss him in the lineup against the Blues :-/

What to Look for: A relatively low scoring game. From the Wild: Mikko Koivu, Andrew Brunette, Owen Nolan, Marian Gaborik, and the impenetrable Nick Backstrom. From Detroit: Marian Hossa, Johan Franzen, Nick Lidstrom, and Jiri Hudler.

Puck drops at 12:30 PM ET, Game is on NBC! Yay for watching it on a regular tv instead of my laptop!

Game Preview: Blues at Wings

Red Wings (48-19-9, 107 pts)
Blues (37-31-9, 83 pts)

Blues Outlook: The Blues are on fire lately. 6-3-1 in their last 10 while pushing for the playoffs. I had previously written them off for playoff contention but they've done everything to prove me wrong. They currently sit one point behind Nashville/Anaheim for 7/8 spot in the Western Conference. They dropped their last contest to the Blackhawks by a score of 3-1 but had won their previous 5 matches. The Blues are a dangerous team down the stretch, with nothing to lose and everything to gain.

Red Wings Outlook: Lately, we've looked really vulnerable. And that's bad, really bad. It seems that either teams are figuring out our defensive scheme or that we're just not playing 100% which is a dangerous trap to fall in heading into the first round of the playoffs. We've gone from being ahead of San Jose to 4 points behind them for top spot in the West/League with a mere 6 games remaining, all against playoff bound teams or teams just points shy. I think the loss of Andreas Lilja has been bigger than people have made it out to be. Although Grand Rapids call up and future fulltime Wing Jonathan Ericsson is a little taller, I think Lilja uses his body more effectively and engages opposing players more often. Hopefully our young and speedy defense can step it up in anticipation of Round 1. Another note for tonight, Brian Rafalski (groin) is listed as out for the game.

What to Look for: A lot of physical play. Longtime bitter rivals only show more aggression and heart when one of their post-season life is on the line. From St. Louis: Brad Boyes, David Perron, Keith Tkachuk, and Chris Mason. From Detroit: Marian Hossa, Dan Cleary, Johan Franzen, and Brad Stuart.

Puck drops at 7:30 PM ET and as always, GO WINGS!!

Game Preview: Preds @ Wings

How do you follow a loss to the NHL's worst team? Hopefully its with a win over one of the better post All-Star break teams this season and a division rival.

Nashville Outlook: Nashville has won two in a row and are 4-2-4 in their last 10. That third column in that line is very important. They had the chance to win 4 games but were unable to win them in overtime/shootout. Thats a four point turnaround no matter which way you turn it, all losses or all wins in regulation. All losses in regulation could have very well put them out of playoff contention but the fact that they were able to get a point out of all four of those games, is one of the reasons they're still in the playoff race.

Detroit Outlook: Like I said, how do you follow a loss to the worst team in the league? You know that that type of loss is demoralizing. I didn't see the entire game but from what I did see, we were completely outplayed by the Islanders. It looked like a classic case of role reversal. They looked like the team in 1st place in the league while we looked like the last place team. Hopefully it was just "one of those nights" but I think it may be part of a bigger problem. Our defense and goaltending has been suspect all year and it could be showing more weakness as the postseason draws near. Good news? We didn't have to win. Bad news? We should have won.

What to Look for: A high energy, refocused, and reenergized Red Wings as Babcock tries to get us back in playoff shape. From Nashville, watch for playmaking by Jason Arnott, J.P. Dumont,Shea Weber, and the underrated Pekka Rinne. From Detroit, watch for Jiri Hudler, Marian Hossa, Mikael Samuelsson, and Nick Kronwall. Kronner made a name for himself in the playoffs last year for laying out Predators players.

Hopefully Shea Weber doesn't bash any of our players heads in again in our pitiful attempts to fight.

Puck drops at 5 PM ET. I won't be able to watch it due to prior plans but as always, GO WINGS!

Game Preview: Wings at Oilers

Red Wings (48-16-9, 105 pts)
Oilers (35-28-9, 79 pts)

Lets see how the Wings can respond from a 5-3 loss to Calgary last night against a tough Edmonton team.

Edmonton outlook: The Oilers are kind of treading water at this point, hoping to hold on to that 7 spot. In all likelihood they won't climb any higher than 7 but could very easily drop out of the race all together. They're 4-2-4 in their last 10 and haven't had much recently to celebrate about. Lubomir Visnovsky, one of the Oilers best players, has been out of the lineup since February following surgery. Erik Cole going back to Carolina has left a gap yet to be filled and the Oilers may be regretting it. Patrick O'Sullivan, who came over in the deal for Cole, has only tallied 3 points in 9 games, not enough for the struggling Oilers.

Detroit outlook: With only 9 games left and 8 of the games against +.500 teams, this stretch will be a good test for how well we can prepare and stay healthy for the start of the playoffs. The good news for tonight's game is that we're 3-0 against Edmonton this season, outscoring them 16-6. Hopefully we can continue our streak against them and catch up to the Shark a little bit. Important thing to watch is how Ozzie and Conklin respond after giving up a total of 5 goals. We have a good road record while the Oilers have a worse home record than away.

What to look for: Detroit, as I always say, plays puck possession hockey and can force you to take penalties. This could be a big part of tonight's game as the Oilers take about 15 minutes worth of penalties per game and have allowed 7 of the 16 goals against the Wings on the powerplay. From Edmonton: Ales Hemsky (leads EDM in G,A, Points), Shawn Horcoff, Dustin Penner, and Denis Grebeshkov are all big parts of the Oilers success. From Detroit: Marian Hossa, Pavel Datsyuk, Jiri Hudler, and Brad Stuart.
Also, look for Zack Stortini to mix it up physically for the Oilers. I would like to see a Wing step up physically, but then again, Stortini would just give us another player with Lilja symptoms.

Puck drops at 9:30 PM ET and as always, GO WINGS!

Game Preview: Wings at Flames

Red Wings (48-15-9 105 pts)
Flames (41-24-6 88 pts)

Flames outlook: The Flames enter tonight's game on a bit of a skid, losing 6 of 10 and seeing their lead over the Canucks rapidly diminishing. Kiprusoff hasn't been exactly what he has been in the past but is still one of the best in the league and can see a rise in productivity with Phaneuf and Leopold anchoring the defense.

Red Wings outlook: The Wings are red hot as of late, winning 4 straight and 7 of 10. Osgood has been playing exceptionally well lately and has looked like the same goalie that won the Stanley Cup last year. Last time out against Calgary, Detroit lost 6-5 in a shootout after blowing a lead. I'd expect Babcock would have these guys refocused and ready to go and get that one back, especially following a break since Friday's game in Atlanta.

What to look for: Either a high scoring slugfest or a very sound defensive game by both teams. Both teams have the offensive capabilities to make it a slugfest but also have the goalies and defense to make it a 1-0 game. From Calgary: Olli Jokinen, Jarome Iginla, Mike Camalleri, and Dion Phaneuf (unfortunately). From Detroit: Henrik Zetterberg, Pavel Datsyuk, Marian Hossa, and Nick Lidstrom.

Game starts at 9:30 PM ET and as always GO WINGS!

Game Preview: Wings @ Thrashers

Red Wings (47-15-9) at Thrashers (29-36-6)

Atlanta Outlook: Atlanta, ugh...where to start...The Thrashers are actually not as bad as it looks in the standings. Before Tuesday night, the Thrashers had won 6 straight games but were dismantled by the Penguins...but then again who aren't the Pens picking apart these days? The main problem for the Thrashers is that they just give up goals left and right. Having the second most goals allowed makes even Ilya Kovalchuck useless. Despite the recent surge by Atlanta, its obviously too little too late and this is gonna be a game of pride more than anything.

Detroit Outlook: The Wings have 3 straight wins and look for a fourth tonight. Ozzie has won those three games and I don't know if Babcock&Co. will start him again or not. I would imagine he starts given the amount of time off from Tuesday to tonight. We've been playing pretty well since the return of Hossa and Holmstrom and hopefully that will continue. We still have some problems defensively and give up too many goals but it could be worse. The Thrashers play aggressively at times and we can easily exploit that with the speed of plays like Hudler, Filppula, Datsyuk, and Hossa. Look for the Detroit trademark--superb passing--to play a big factor in putting pressure on the Thrashers.

What to look for: Look for a high scoring game. I could be wrong but the fact that the Red Wings scored the most goals per game and the Thrashers allow the second most per game makes me think that it could be an ugly-one for the home team. From Atlanta, look for Ilya Kovalchuck (if he plays following an injury), Rich Peverley, and former Red Wing and member of the Russian 5--Vyacheslav Kozlov. For Detroit look for Valterri Filppula, Nick Lidstrom, Henrik Zetterberg, and Johan Franzen. Too much firepower for the Thrashers, Wings win.

Puck drops at 7:30 PM ET and as always, GO WINGS!

Game Preview: Wings/Flyers

First off. HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY! We need Shanny and McCarty to play tonight, but Shanny's a Devil and DMC is Grand Rapids.

Philadelphia outlook: Philly currently represents the 4 seed in the East but have streaking Pittsburgh fast approaching in the points column. Last time the Flyers won in Detroit? 1988. Biron will likely get the start for the Flyers as they look to make a big statement on nationwide television following the loss to the Rangers on Sunday on NBC.

Detroit outlook: The Red Wings come into tonight's game hoping to increase their point total and head for the top seed in the West. The league's highest scoring team looks to also improve upon their stellar home record. Hopefully Hossa and Holmstrom will continue their recovery and will soon have the Wings firing on all cylinders.

Who to watch:
Philly: Simon Gagne, Jeff Carter, and Mike Richards
Detroit: Johan Franzen, Henrik Zetterberg, and Nick Lidstrom

Puck drops at 7:30 PM ET (or 11:30 Dublin time) and can be seen on Versus.

Game Preview:

Columbus outlook: Columbus has won 4 straight and 6 of their last 10 and currently hold the 6 seed in the West. The 4 straight wins have all come against teams at or above 80 points (Detroit, Boston, Pittsburgh, Chicago). The last time the Blue Jackets played the Wings, they put 8 goals on the board to Detroit's 2. The Blue Jackets are on a big surge right before the playoffs and are a dangerous matchup for the Wings.

Detroit outlook: Detroit followed up a OT loss to the Flames with a 5-2 manhandling of the Blues. Hopefully we'll be able to continue the good play and win again and likely seal up a playoff spot. The best thing about the 8-2 loss to the Blue Jackets is how Babcock is able to refocus the team for the next time they face off. If we can force Columbus to make mistakes, we easily have superior talent (except for maybe in net) but can only put forth our highest effort when our defense isn't constantly pressured.

What to look for: For Columbus, watch for Rick Nash, RJ Umberger, Mike Commodore, and Chris Mason. For Detroit, watch for Marian Hossa, Tomas Kopecky, Johan Franzen, and Brad Stuart. I don't know how to call this one, I wanna say Wings win but the Blue Jackets are unpredictably good at times, in any case...

GO WINGS!

Puck drops at 5 PM ET,

Game Preview: Flames at Wings

Please keep it up. Hopefully the Wings can string together some more wins as we come down the stretch. Only 14 games remain on the schedule for Detroit and every point matters for home-ice and top seed in the playoffs.

Calgary Outlook: Calgary comes into tonight's game with 3 straight losses and a 6-4 in the last 10 record. However, Calgary is the best team the Wings have played (in the standings) since San Jose on Feb 25. Calgary is however one of the better teams in the league and has been built around goalie Miikka Kiprusoff. The additions of Jordan Leopold and Olli Jokinen at the trade deadline have yet to turn them into an unstoppable force but I think it's only a matter of time.

Detroit Outlook: Detroit looks to win two in a row following the win over the Coyotes in overtime on Tuesday. The Red Wings have won the first two meetings between these two teams and look to lock-up the regular season series. I would expect Ty Conklin to get the start in net tonight at home. He was the winning goalie in both games against the Flames prior to tonight's meeting. The Wings continue to be effective on the powerplay and could get several chances tonight against a Calgary team that gives up a man quite often.

What to Look For: Look for both teams to play a physical game. The Flames are built as a more physical team than the Wings are but lately Detroit hasn't backed down from physical play. The call-up of Aaron Downey has added a little bit more of a physical mentality while still playing puck possession hockey. Calgary will look for a big game from Jarome Iginla, Olli Jokinen, Mike Camalleri, and Miikka Kiprusoff. If Miika is on tonight there's little hope for the Wings but the fact that Calgary takes around 17 penalty minutes per game could play a big part in a Wings win. Detroit will look to Johan Franzen, Pavel Datsyuk, Tomas Holmstrom, and Ty Conklin. I think Holmstrom could be getting back to normal following his injury, and if he gets back to 100%, the rest of the league should be on the lookout.

GO WINGS!

Game Preview- Coyotes at Red Wings

Sigh. Another game following an 8 goal loss. Hopefully this one works out the same as the Blues game following the Nashville loss did, a 5-0 Detroit win.

Phoenix outlook: The Coyotes are on a two game losing skid and have lost 7 of their last 10. Right now they're looking at an early trip to the golf course but could potentially still make the playoffs. Coming into tonight's game, the season series is 2-1 Detroit. The loss was a 6-3 loss, coming on Jan 20 in Phoenix. Ilya Bryzgalov will get the start for Phoenix more than likely. He's been one of the worst in goals allowed this season but is always capable of playing well if the defense works for him. Phoenix is no doubtedly been on the down hill lately, especially after trading away some of its best players (Jokinen, Morris). I think its obvious that Gretzky and the upper management are looking for future talent rather than immediate results.

Detroit outlook: The Red Wings have won 2 of their last 3 but the loss was the embarrasing 8-2 loss to the division rival Columbus Blue Jackets. The Wings still lead the league in goals scored per game at 3.61 but the goals allowed per game isn't that far away at 2.96. Detroit plays puck possession and will look to continue that way of playing tonight. A big part of the Wings' success with puck possession is their ability to win faceoffs. Draper, Datsyuk, and Zetterberg are all in the top 15 in faceoffs, a big reason for our ability to wear down the other teams. If the Wings can control the puck, they have the talent to out play the Coyotes easily.

What to look for: Detroit's powerplay is still tops in the league at 26.7% efficiency while the Coyotes have one of the league's worst penalty kill units. While the Wings also have one of the league's worst penalty kill units, they also take the 2nd fewest penalties per game in the league. I would look for how the powerplay unit works tonight. Once again, puck possession will dictate Detroit success tonight. Look for the Wings to spread out the Coyotes cross-ice and then late in the game try to get behind the Coyotes defense with outlet passes. Players to watch from Phoenix are Petr Prucha, Shane Doan, and Mikkel Boedker. Wings players to look for are Valterri Filppula, Henrik Zetterberg, and Niklas Kronwall.

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!

Blues Preview

This is an important game. Not so much that we need the wins, although we do if we want to catch San Jose and Boston for home ice throughout playoffs. But this is an important game to see how we come back following the demoralizing Nashville loss. In a game in which we were completely and totally dominated and nothing went right unless you were wearing blue, we definitely did not look like the defending Stanley Cup Champions.

The good news? We come into the game with the Blues with a 3-0 season record against them. Although that record is a little misleading. Two of those three wins were in a shootout. And this game is a road game, where we've struggled considerably more than at home. The Blues are also 4-1 in their last 5 and the 1 loss being in overtime. Once again I think puck control will be a big factor. If we can control the game from the onset and keep putting pressure on the Blues early and often we can win this one. Another key is to see how Ozzie or Conklin (whoever gets the start) bounces back. My guess is Ozzie gets the start and the Wings come out physical after being pushed around last game. We should win this one anyway, but I'm not guaranteeing anything after that Nashville game! Puck drops at 8:30 ET or 2:30AM Sweden time.

Other big games tonight:
Canes/Caps
Bruins/Flyers
Ducks/Hawks

Preview for Kings Game 2/27

Some notes about tonight's game vs. the Kings (26-25-9, 61 pts):
Ozzie is scheduled to return tonight. I don't know whether he'll start or not, considering Conklin's 12 game home winning streak. Jonathan Quick will likely get the start in net for the Kings. Former Red Wing Kyle Quincey comes back to the Joe tonight. Look for Leino to continue to contribute to the offensive production, and also to see how Brad Stuart does in his 2nd game back from his injury. One guy on the Kings I'll be watching is Anze Kopitar. Kopitar has immense talent but doesn't get the deserved respect.

I'm thinking this should be another W for the Wings, but by no means should they be overlooked. The Kings have talent but are just streaky and have questions in net. Wings 4 Kings 2

Other notes: Kirk Maltby will play in his 1000th career game. Maltby won't go into the Hall of Fame most likely but he has been a fixture on the Red Wings roster since '95 and has 4 cups to show for it. He's a huge part of the team even though his stats might not show it. He's a good defensive forward and one of the better penalty killers. The way he plays really wears down the opposing team and he's a big part of the reason for the success of the Wings over the past 11+ years.