February 15, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Red Wings defenseman Niklas Kronwall (55) and Anaheim Ducks right wing Corey Perry (10) battle for the puck in the second period at Joe Louis Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
The Detroit Red Wings are in Anaheim, California to take on the Ducks at 10:00 p.m. EDT.
Detroit is coming off of an ugly loss against the Minnesota Wild, the Wings had no energy and looked lost. Mike Babcock will have to change something if the Red Wings are going to have a shot on this 4 game road trip. The Wings forwards will have to crate better scoring opportunities and defense needs to be more aware in their own zone.
The Ducks are one of the hottest teams in the NHL at the moment and have won 7 out of their past 10 games, while collecting 17 of 20 possible points. During that time, Anaheim locked up its top players in Getzlaf and Perry to 8 year deals, which has solidified their offensive power for when Salanne retires.
Projected Line-up
Forwards
Valtteri Filppula – Henrik Zetterberg – Daniel Cleary
Johan Franzen – Pavel Datsyuk – Justin Abdelkader
Gustav Nyquist – Joakim Andersson – Damien Brunner
Drew Miller – Cory Emmerton – Jordin Tootoo
Defensemen
Niklas Kronwall – Jonathan Ericsson
Goaltender
Damien Brunner and Daniel Cleary have switched spots for tonight’s game. Mike Babcock is hoping the move re-energizes Brunner and give him some confidence.
The defense struggled against the Wild, none more than Brian Lashoff, and will need to be much better tonight.
After a nice goal against the Wild, Gustav Nyquist looks like he is ready to hold on in Detroit.
Patrick Eaves and Todd Bertuzzi made the trip out West with the team, but don’t expect Bertuzzi to be back any time soon.
Prediction: Red Wings will have to hold off Anaheim’s offensive onslaught and the Ducks take a 3-1 victory.
UPDATE - Miller has been promoted to Zetterberg’s wing, Brunner moves down with Andersson and Cleary, and Nyquist joins the fourth line. Also, Eaves is playing today, either Tootoo or Nyquist will sit for him.
Projected lines for the #RedWings in tonight’s game.93-13-851-40-2011-63-2414-25-1755-2352-24-1835
— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) March 22, 2013
Born and raised in Metro Detroit. I have been a hockey player and Wings fan for longer than I can remember. Currently reside in Dublin, Ireland. Hockey isn't just a sport, It is a lifestyle.
All Detroit Sports
Chicago Blackhawks
Columbus Blue Jackets
Detroit Lions
Detroit Tigers
Detroit Pistons
Detroit Red Wings
Michigan Wolverines
Michigan State Spartans
Nashville Predators
St. Louis Blues
