Detroit's Depth Will Be Tested as they Visit Colorado

Lead-Up: The Wings play their second of back-to-back games tonight after defeating the Minnesota Wild 4-1 last night. Prior to that, Detroit had lost 3 of their last 4 games, giving up 4 goals on each occasion.

After riding a 6-game winning streak that began December 10, the Avs have lost their last two prior to the Christmas break. The highest-scoring team in the NHL faltered a little in their meetings with the Los Angeles and Minnesota, managing only one goal in the 120-minute span all at their home, the Pepsi Center. The Avs however, have enjoyed a 3-day break in preparation for tonight's clash with the Red Wings.

More Injury Woes: En route to notching a solid 4-1 win last night in Minnesota, the Red Wings received more bad news from the doctor's office, as the Dan Cleary was revealed to have suffered a broken ankle during the 3rd period of the victory. Cleary joins Pavel Datsyuk and Mike Modano on the Red Wings IR, and will remain there for at least 4 weeks.

In his place will be Jan Mursak, called up from Grand Rapids to make his NHL debut. I can't imagine the excitement he must be experiencing in anticipation of the achievement after spending the last 2 and a half years playing for the Griffins. The Slovenian has notched 10 goals and 13 assists in his 33 AHL games this season.

Less Injury Woes: On the flip-side, the Avs been heavily challenged this season with the most unenviable slew of injuries seen so far. At one stage having up to 10 regulars on IR, the Avs will gladly see the return of both Milan Hejduk and Cody McLeod for this game, slowly getting back to health.

Third Time's the Charm? Red Wings' back-up Chris Osgood makes the start in goal for his third chance at nabbing win #400 for his illustrious career. He vies for the W with Colorado back-up Peter Budaj, who will start in net for the first time since a 6-5 loss in Tampa against Steve Yzerman's Lightning on December 4.