Detroit Red Wings Look to Solve Ducks' Viktor Fasth

Mar 14, 2012; Anaheim, CA, USA; Detroit Red Wings left wing Justin Abdelkader (8) attempts to deflect the puck into the goal against the Anaheim Ducks during the third period at the Honda Center. The Anaheim Ducks defeated the Detroit Red Wings 4-0. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports

The Detroit Red Wings look to rebound from their overtime loss against the Blues when they take on the Anaheim Ducks at 7:30 p.m. ET tonight.

After a bad loss to the St. Louis Blues, the Red Wings continue their homestand against the Anaheim Ducks. If the the Wings home to win this game they need to play a full 60 minute game and get shots on net. After an 11 shot first period against the Vlues, the Wings followed up with a 5 shot second and measly 1 shot third period. If the Wings hope to beat the Duck they will have to get shots on net. Without Johan Franzen in the line-up this becomes a more difficult task, but Justin Abdelkader played well in his absence.

The Anaheim Duck come into this game with a goaltender who has not lost a game yet this season in Viktor Fasth. They also bring with them the ageless wonder Teemu Selanne, who leads the team in points with 14. The Red Wings will need to get shots on Fasth early and keep a close eye on the ever dangerous players Corey Perry and Bobby Ryan who have not yet lived up to their potential this season.

Projected Line-up

Forwards

Justin Abdelkader - Henrik Zetterberg - Damien Brunner

Daniel Cleary - Pavel Datsyuk - Valtteri Filppula

Patrick Eaves - Joakim Andersson - Tomas Tatar

Drew Miller - Cory Emmerton - Jordin Tootoo

Defensemen

Niklas Kronwall - Brian Lashoff

Jonathan Ericsson - Ian White

Jakub Kindl - Kyle Quincey

Goaltender

Jimmy Howard

After a forgetable game in net against the Blues and a clamouring from fans to put Petr Mrazek in net, Jimmy Howard once again receives the start.

Feb. 10, 2012; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Red Wings center Pavel Datsyuk (13) skates with the puck as Anaheim Ducks defenseman Francois Beauchemin (23) defends in the second period at Joe Louis Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Patrick Eaves receives another start as well with Todd Bertuzzi and Johan Franzen injured.

Justin Abdelkader played well on the first line with Zetterberg and Brunner. He kept things simple and tried not to over complicate things.

Damien Brunner on the other hand was too fancy at times, which cost the Wings possession of the puck in the offensive zone.

The Red Wings special teams was once again absent from the game. The Wings had only one shot on net on four power play attempts and gave up a short-handed goal. They also gave up a power play goal which tied up the game.

Prediction: Jimmy Howard bounces back and has a stellar game against the Ducks, but the lack of Franzen hurts the Wings offense. 1-0 Anaheim Ducks victory.

UPDATE: Gustav Nyquist has been called up by the Red Wings. May play tonight.