Update (1:25 PM): George Sipple confirms that Chris Mason will start for St. Louis. He’s started 28 straight prior to tonight.

Ansar Khan reports that Derek Meech will take Chris Chelios’ place in the lineup, so he’ll round out the third pairing, not Cheli. Also, Brian Rafalski expects to be out at least the next three games (includes tonight). - Matt

… This is the season finale of the Wings/Blues series, which stands at 5-0 Detroit.

… The Blues posted a 9-4-1 record in March, winning the last five of their games last month. Their strong effort in March put them in contention for a playoff spot after starting the month with pretty grim post-season hopes.

They’re coming off a 3-1 road loss to Chicago last night. They managed just seven shots through the first 40 minutes, finishing with just 17 for the night.

… Their 83 points is good for 9th place at the moment, just one point behind the 7th and 8th-place teams, Anaheim and Nashville.

… Eric Brewer (back) is out for the Blues.

… Chris Mason ought to get the start tonight. He faced 30 shots last night.

… The Wings went 8-3-1 in March and finished the month with a pair of home losses, first to the Islanders and then to the Predators. Those games were further reminder of the team’s unpreparedness for the playoffs.

… They had the division clinched for them this past weekend by a Chicago loss. They’re four points behind the Sharks, and one behind the Bruins, in the President’s Trophy Race. All three teams have played 76 games to this point.

… Brian Rafalski (groin) will miss his second straight game and Andreas Lilja (concussion) will miss his 13th straight.

… Marian Hossa had the day off yesterday, but is not injured.

… Projected units, based on practice lines:

Datsyuk-Zetterberg-Holmstrom
Franzen-Filppula-Hossa
Samuelsson-Hudler-Kopecky
Maltby-Draper-Cleary

Lidstrom-Kronwall
Ericsson-Stuart
Lebda-Chelios

… Ty Conklin will get the start tonight.

… This game is huge for the Blues, who cannot afford to lose down the stretch. The Wings technically can afford a loss, but they have to start getting their act together and losing isn’t the route to that. So, this is a big game for them as well. They have to see this as an important one, and not just as yet another game in the interminable regular season.

The Blues are sure to follow up their lackluster night in Chicago with a sold-out performance tonight. The Wings generally don’t have a lot of trouble finding motivation to play well against the Blues, but I think it’s going to take more than an above average performance. If the Blues are as desperate as they should be, the Wings will have to be close to their best.

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