Red Wings Head South to Face Ducks; Game Preview

The Red Wings were able to hold serve in the first two matchups of the season between these two teams, shutting out the Ducks on opening night 4-0, followed by a 5-4 comeback victory late in October involving some Datsyuk magic with 12 seconds to spare. However, with the recent upswing in form for Anaheim, tonight's game is shaping up to be even more of a challenge.

The Ducks will, just like the Red Wings, be putting a 3-game win streak on the line as they attempt to take top spot in the Pacific Division. The Red Wings don't have quite as much to play for as they sit loftily atop the Central Division and Western Conference with a few games in hand. That lead however, is likely to decrease as the Red Wings head into their monster December schedule. Games like this and tomorrow night's against the Kings are were you lose points. This little California road trip is a great way to gauge just how good the Wings are.

Detroit's team is unchanged from the one that knocked off the Sharks three nights ago. The main priority for Mike Babcock will be to shut down the Ducks' top line of Bobby Ryan, Corey Perry and Ryan Getzlaf. The trio is without a doubt Randy Carlyle's biggest threat and difference maker.

Sorry for the short and sweet preview this time around guys. Time is limited today. Go Wings!