On the Wings

Big test today so this will be short:

This is the first of four games between these two teams this season. The Canucks won the series last year, 3-1. They play once more this month before wrapping things up in January and February.

The Canucks have lost three of their last four, including their most recent game, a 3-1 decision in Carolina on Monday. Their last win the game before, in Columbus, 4-1. Tonight is the second-to-last game in a four-stop road trip for the Canucks, who will fly to Washington to face the Capitals on Friday.

Daniel Sedin leads the team in assists and points with 6 and 9 respectively. Brendan Morrison leads in goals with 4.

Roberto Luongo will be in net tonight for the Canucks.

The Wings have won three out of their last four, including their two most recent, both of which came on the road, first in San Jose, then in Phoenix. Their last loss came in Anaheim last on the 15th. Tonight’s game is one of two homegames the Wings have before they embark on their second long road trip of the month next week.

The Wings will be without Dallas Drake (cheekbone) and Johan Franzen (knee). It’s unlikely that Igor Grigorenko will dress tonight, as he has had little time to impress the team enough to insert him over guys like Matt Ellis or Aaron Downey.

Dominik Hasek will be in net tonight.

The Wings made a good showing on their road trip and they need to translate that into success at home. Tonight’s a good place to start.