Game #3

(David Zalubowski / Associated Press)

THE GAME

Colorado Avalanche (1-1-0) @ Detroit Red Wings (2-0-0)

If only we could add the Penguins as our next game then the 4 pack of hated teams would be complete (Ducks, 'Hawks, Avs, and Pens).  Colorado comes to town on the second night of a back-to-back.  They lost to the Philadelphia Flyers 4-2 last night.  The Wings have been off since Saturday night when they ruined Chicago's banner night.  A win keeps the Wings undefeated and on top of the Central.  Yes, it's early, but we learned last year that every point matters.  A win tonight could go a long way in the distant future. The quest for 82-0 continues tonight.

THE EXPECTED LINE-UP

Pavel Datsyuk-Henrik Zetterberg-Tomas Holmstrom
Johan Franzen-Valterri Filppula-Todd Bertuzzi
Jiri Hudler-Mike Modano-Danny Cleary
Drew Miller-Darren Helm-Patrick Eaves

Nicklas Lidstrom-Niklas Kronwall
Brad Stuart-Brian Rafalski (Doug Janik?)
Jakub Kindl-Ruslan Salei

Jimmy Howard
Chris Osgood

In the press box: Justin Abdelkader (ribs), and Jonathon Erisson (back spasms)

On IR: Kris Draper (groin)

***According to Fox Sports Detroit, TPL favorite Doug Janik will be playing tonight.  Kris Draper has been put on IR and Janik was called up this morning.  It's currently unknown who Janik will replace on the back end, but odds are it's Rafalski, who left practice early yesterday.

WHAT TO WATCH FOR

• Can the "Lumberjack Line" continue to roll?  Detroit's second line has combine for four goals and four assists in the team's first two games.  I'd like to see Filp, Bert, and Mule continue to roll out there.  

• Jimmy Howard was solid on opening night.  Can Jimmah make it two shutouts in a row?

• The Wings' power play has been a miserable 1 for 10 and is ranked 23rd.  It's still early, but this stat needs improve.
• Jiri Hudler.  Score a goal.  Seriously...Do it...Do it........................Do it.

BRENDAN SMITH

Smith recorded two assists in the Griffins' 5-4 loss to the Rockford Ice Hogs on Sunday night.  It was not all good news on the stat sheet though.  Smith ended the night -1.  It's only two games into the season, but he is tied for the team lead in scoring with three points (1G, 2A).  Grand Rapids is off until Friday when they travel to Manitoba to face the Moose on back-to-back nights. 

UNCLE LEON'S THOUGHTS

"Wings 3-1 over Avs.  Franzen, Hudler, and Z do the scoring."

NEWS OF THE DAY

We are expected to learn the fate of Kirk Maltby's career today.  He'll either retire or head to Grand Rapids to play and mentor the kids.

Lets Go Red Wings.