This afternoon is the second game of the Western Conference Semifinal series between the Detroit Red Wings and the Colorado Avalanche. The Wings lead the series 1-0 after winning 4-3 Thursday night.

The Avs came out of Game 1 somewhat embarrassed. They’re bound to be better today. Some keys to the game for Colorado:

A stronger start. They got knocked around for virtually the entire first period Thursday night. If they come out of the gates playing like they did in the second and third periods, they’ll be in a better position.

Stay out of the box. The Wings only managed one power play goal in Game 1, but it wasn’t for lack of opportunities. The Avs need to keep the penalties to a minimum if they want to keep the ice level and not tilted toward their end.

Play with more physicality. The Wings were the rougher team Thursday night and there aren’t many nights where that’s true. The Avs need to use their bodies more.

Wojtek Wolski is out for sure. Peter Forsberg is questionable, but there’s a slim chance he’ll play. Jose

Theodore will return for Game 2 after being pulled in Game 1 due to an illness-induced poor performance. Expect him to be tougher to beat today.

The Wings played a fairly solid game Thursday night, but they have a few areas upon which they could improve. Some keys to the game for Detroit:

Another strong start. They came out guns blazing in Game 1 and should repeat that today. With the Avs certain to be better prepared, there’s no reason to hold back in the opening minutes.

Better decisions defensively. The Wings played nearly a complete defensive game, but the Avs made them pay for the few mistakes they did make. Defensemen like Brian Rafalski need to remember to let the forward take the trailer in a 3-on-2 rather than leave his partner hanging out to dry with a 2-on-1 down low. That sort of thing.

Special teams. They need to capitalize on power play opportunities and kill off penalties. They didn’t do a good enough job of the first on Thursday and will probably have to do more of the second today.

Brad Stuart will return to the lineup after returning to Michigan from California following the birth of his son, Logan Michael. Andreas Lilja should be the odd man out. Kirk Maltby likely remains out.

Chris Osgood will start again for the Wings.

This isn’t must-win territory for either team, but there are obvious benefits to winning this game. I think we can expect an exciting afternoon as both teams play to their potential. The Avs are at a disadvantage with two key offensive contributors out, but they still have skill enough remaining to keep themselves in the game. The Wings will have to be as close to perfect as possible.

Joe Hass is liveblogging the game again here.