The Red Wings have been successful in their last two starts against their two most recent arch-nemeses; the Blackhawks and the Ducks. A win over the Avs will make it a 3-peat over the last 3 significant rivals of Detroit Red Wings history.
Colorado has had a more mixed start to the season, as they split their first two games.
The Avalanche provided the other loss for Chicago this season as they edged out the defending Champs in a shootout in the season opener at the Pepsi Center in Denver. They weren't so lucky last night however as they fell by a 4-2 decision to Chicago's opponent in the 2010 Cup Finals, Philadelphia in Philly.
There are no excuses for the Red Wings in this one.
While they are sporting a few injuries from Ericsson, Abdelkader and Draper, Colorado is probably hurting just as much, as they'll need to get it done without the services of Peter Mueller and David Koci.
The Wings always prefer to have their encounters in front of a friendly audience at the Joe, but an additional advantage is availed to the locals as they await a team that is travelling from Philadelphia in the second of back-to-back games.
Last year I did two 16 hour trips between Philly and Detroit in a week; and probably couldn't have made a pass with a 4-man advantage afterwards. I sure hope the Avs aren't travelling by Greyhound too!
While I'm sure they'll be on a nice jet for no more than an hour in their journey, the Red Wings will still be raging favorites to win this one.
After taking two points from a visit to the United Center with a modest return from the top line of Datsyuk, Zetterberg and Holmstrom, this game against will be an ideal opportunity to build on their momentum and get the #1 trio back on the scoresheet.
UPDATE: Brian Rafalski underwent knee surgery and will be out of the line-up for at least 3 weeks. Doug Janik has been re-called from Grand Rapids as his replacement.
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