Since we last met the Detroit Red Wings…
IN: Jimmy Howard, Justin Abdelkader
OUT: Pavel Datsyuk, Nicklas Lidstrom, Jonathan Ericsson, Todd Bertuzzi, Jakub Kindl.
Possible lines (Babcock said they would be a game-time decision):
Filppula-Zetterberg-Hudler
Miller-Helm-Abdelkader
Nyquist-Franzen-Cleary
Holmstrom-Emmerton-Mursak
Kronwall-Stuart
Quincey-White
Smith-Janik
In net: Howard
The Kings finished two games in a row with good starts, yet difficult third periods. Given that they’ve played 8 of their last 10 on the road, I have to think fatigue was a factor. Hopefully they will be able to recharge a bit on this homestand and push on.
Babcock apparently wants to get an aggressive forecheck going. The Kings have the size to handle a grind game. Jeff Carter is still rolling, and that’s good to see.
A lot of players can be better, and they know it. No better time for redemption than now.