Game #7

THE GAME

Anaheim Ducks (3-4-1) @ Detroit Red Wings (4-1-1)

The Red Wings are coming off a nice 4-2 win against the Calgary Flames.  The last time Detroit played the Ducks was on opening night.  It was arguably the Wings best performance of the season.  Anaheim went into Philly on Thursday and beat Leino and the Flyers 4-3.    


THE EXPECTED LINE-UP

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

Nicklas Lidstrom - Brad Stuart
Niklas Kronwall - Doug Janik
Jakub Kindl - Ruslan Salei

Jimmy Howard (starting)
Chris Osgood 

In the press box: Brian Rafalski (knee), Justin Abdelkader (ribs), and Jonathon Ericsson (back spasms)

On IR: Kris Draper (groin)


WHAT TO WATCH FOR

• Todd Bertuzzi hurt his foot during the last game.  He'll take warm-ups and is a game time decision.  If he can't play, Justin Abdelkader will see his first action of the season.

• Watch continuing evolution of Jimmy Howard tonight.  If he was going to have a sophomore slump this season...well...it hasn't happened yet.  He look like a true #1 NHL goaltender out there. 
• Pavel Datsyuk vs. Corey Perry II?
• Will Johan Franzen register a point in his 18th consecutive game (going back to last season and including the playoffs)?

• Jiri Hudler.  Score a goal.  Seriously...Do it...Do it........................Do it. (This is staying here too until Scuttles scores a goal)

BRENDAN SMITH

Tough night for Smith last night.  The Griffins fell to the Milwaukee Admirals 3-2.  Smith had two penalties in the game.  The first game early in the 3rd when he got two minutes for high-sticking.  The second penalty, two minutes for interference, came with 17:09 left in the game.  It was a horrible time to take a penalty as the Griffins were down 1 and trying to tie the score late in the game.  He ended the night with no points, three shots on goal, and was a minus-1.


UNCLE LEON'S THOUGHTS

"Wings take a close one 3-2.  Franzen and Z are goal getters...along with Hudler."


Let's Go Red Wings.