Update (4:36 PM): Bob Duff is reporting Z’s injury is a knee thing. Interesting. - Matt
… This is the fourth of six games between the Wings and the Preds this season. The series is 2-1-0 in Detroit’s favor so far, with the first third games going to them, and the middle going to to Nashville.
… The Predators are 2-2-2 in February so far, winning both their second game of the month (vs. St. Louis) and their latest (vs. Chicago). They lost to Philly and Ottawa in regulation, and Vancouver and Boston in shootouts. The win over Chicago on Tuesday halted a three-game 0-1-2 skid for them.
… That win also put them at 72 points, which is 8 back of the Wings and has them in fifth place in the Conference. Their first round opponent would be St. Louis.
… The Predators are apparently taking their cues from Teemu Selanne:
“At the Joe there’s always that phantom call when you’ve got to get through that first power play.” (via)
Whatever.
… With fine newspapering like this from this, something something small market joke. Seriously, though, how do you mess that up?
… The Predators’ leading scorers are Mike Fisher and Patric Hornqvist, both with 17. Hornqvist will be out tonight, so no need to worry about him.
… In addition to Hornqvist, the Preds will be without Brian McGrattan.
… Pekka Rinne should get the start.
… The Wings won their 21st consecutive home game Tuesday night against Dallas and made history. They’ll look to extend that history into a 22nd win tonight.
… They lead the League with 80 points, just one over the Rangers and two over Vancouver. More importantly, they’ve got just a three point lead in the Central because the Blues won again last night. Fricking annoying.
… Henrik Zetterberg did not skate yesterday and was ruled out for tonight. But he skated this morning and will apparently take warmups tonight. That means he could be in after all.
… If not, Tomas Tatar will fill in his roster spot, though all the way down on the fourth line. Abdelkader’s been moved up to the second line.
… Dan Cleary also remains out as he recovers from having his knee drained. And Patrick Eaves is out, still dealing with post-concussion symptoms.
… Joey MacDonald will get at least one more start, with Jimmy Howard not scheduled back until Sunday.
… This is a huge game for the Wings thanks to the fact that they have a direct opportunity to put some distance between themselves and a Central competitor. That a win will also help keep some distance from the annoying Blues is a bonus. The other shoe on the home winning streak is bound to drop at some point. I just hope it’s not tonight.