On the Wings

Tonight is the second of four games between these two teams this season. The Wings won the first meeting 3-2 on November 1st.

The Flames have been one of league’s hottest teams since losing to the Wings to start the month. After losing in a shootout to the Blue Jackets on the 3rd, they have won five in a row, with the wins coming against the Blues (twice), Dallas, Anaheim, and Vancouver. All five games have been typically low scoring, with the Flames notching just 3 goals.

Miikka Kiprusoff has recovered from troubles earlier in the season by posting a 1.00 GAA over the last five games. He has two shutouts in that stretch, including their most recent game, a 3-0 win over the Blues on Tuesday at home.

Jarome Iginla still leads the team in goals with nine, as well as assists (11) and points (20). Alex Tanguay has been producing lately, according to the NHL’s preview, which says he has notched two assists in each of the last three games.

The Wings have won nine in a row and can set a team record tonight with a tenth. They aren’t focused on the record, however, which they seem to have a chance to break almost every year (actually, this is just the fifth time since the record was set originally). It’s just another game and they’re hoping to put up a performance similar to their efforts so far during this streak, despite a couple key injuries.

As reported yesterday, unless something further develops, they’ll be without Jason Williams and Tomas Holmstrom tonight. Niklas Kronwall could return, but Chris Osgood won’t even be on the bench, let alone in net.

The record may not be important but winning this game is. The Wings haven’t played as many powder puff teams this season as they had to this point last year so it’s not as big a worry, but every win against a strong team makes them look better. Tonight’s going to be a challenge for the offense, with Kiprusoff playing well and the Flames defense able to support him. Maybe, just maybe, they’ll be able to get the power play going.

A2Y’s preview (including an anecdote on everyone’s favorite Mullet Man, Barry Melrose).