Preview of Today's Afternoon Home Game vs. CHICAGO Blackhawks
- Today's game will be the 3rd of 6 meetings between the Hawks and Wings. The Series is tied after DET took the first game 3-2 in October and CHI won the 2nd meeting 4-1 in December
- The won't meet again until March 28th and then they finish the season with a home and home - that should be a doozy
- The Hawks currently sit 3rd in the Central Division and 7th in the west. Detroit currently sits 2nd in the West and 1st in the Division. If the season were to end right now, the Hawks-Wings first round matchup would be one of the best.
- The Hawks have not played since Sunday so they should be well rested.
- With a win today, the Red Wings could move into a tie for 1st in the League.
Who's Hot?
- Hudler (finally) is coming off a 3-point night which gives him 11 points in 12 games.
- Kopecky has 3 points in his past 2 games
Injury Report (Courtesy of NHL.com)
Blackhawks defenseman Nick Boynton is questionable for Saturday's game with flu-like symptoms. … The Wings' army of wounded players could be returning after the All-Star break, as forwards Pavel Datsyuk (hand), Mike Modano (wrist) and Danny Cleary (ankle) are nearing their return dates. Forward Tomas Holmstrom(hand) also could be back after the break. Defenseman Brad Stuart (jaw) and goalie Chris Osgood(hernia surgery) are going to be out a while longer.
- Valtteri Filppula (flu) will miss today's game. The Red Wings have recalled forward Cory Emmerton. Keep an eye on him as Detroit seems to be given some of their prospects a quick look lately.
- Jordan Pearce (G) will be the backup today who is replacing Joey MacDonald due to waiver rules .
Today's Starters
Jimmy Howard vs. Corey Crawford
It's officially NOON so we will hear shortly if Nabokov has cleared waivers without being claimed.
My Prediction
DET 5 - CHI 4
Thanks to nhl.com and @onthewings for their stats