So, this is an odd start time for the locals, eh? Speaking of which, we’ll be watching this on DVR-delay because we’ll be at Megan’s parents’ for the afternoon.

Anyway, big game today, but not really because it’s Chicago. Mostly because all points are important right now and when the opposition is good, it becomes that much more important to really bring the old “A” game.

The Hawks, like the Wings, are 2-1-0 since the Break. But unlike the Wings, they have two games of success behind them as they head into this matchup. So, if that’s a trend, you can expect their best today, whereas with the Wings, who knows what to expect? Wednesday’s crap effort or Monday/Friday’s strong one?

No lineup changes for the Wings, including in net. They’ll face Cristobal Huet, apparently.

The Blackhawks have three gold medal winners and one silver medalist on the roster. Keith, Seabrook, Toews and Kane have to be feeling pretty good about themselves right about now. The Wings need to clamp down on that, especially those guys on the team that didn’t get a medal. Today, they need the Swedes and Pavel to step up their games.

Not that the whole team doesn’t, obviously. Everybody needs to be firing on all cylinders in this one because the Blackhawks are one of the most dangerous teams in the League and definitely not one to take lightly. This is the Wings’ first game against them at full health (Maltby aside), so no excuses.

I know, though, that the fact it’s an afternoon game on national TV doesn’t help. Surprise us, Wings.