Weekly Preview: February 19-25th

Weekly Preview: February 19-25th

Detroit has a busy week with 4 games against some big name opponents. The 3rd place in the West San Jose Sharks, divisional rivals Chicago Blackhawks, 2nd place in the West Vancouver Canucks, and historical rivals Colorado Avalanche. Joey MacDonald has been playing stellar for the Wings but Jimmy Howard is expected to return to the lineup from his broken finger.

Game 1: San Jose Sharks @ Home

The Sharks are currently leading the tight race for the Pacific Division crown and sit 3rd in the Western Conference. Sharks' Captain Joe Thornton has been on a scoring streak getting 9 points in his last five games. Brent Burns has also awoken, the former Minnesota Wild Defenceman had a slow start but managed 3 assists in his last game. The Sharks are on a long road trip and could potentially be fatigued against the Wings who have played their last 3 games at the Joe Louis arena. 

Game 2: @Chicago Blackhawks

After playing 4 games at home, the Wings will travel to the other side of Lake Michigan to face the rebounding Chicago Blackhawks. After losing 8 straight the Hawks have fell from 2nd place in the Central Division to 4th, but they have snapped out of the skid winning 2 games in a row. They play a tough game against the St. Louis Blues on Sunday and if they can muster up a win against the Blues they will has some serious momentum and could be tough to beat.

Game 3: Vancouver Canucks @ Home

Detroit managed a Shoot Out victory against the Canucks a few weeks ago and since then the Canucks have been on fire going 8-0-2 in their last 10 and are clipping close on the heels of the Wings for top spot in the league. Detroit's big guns have been firing on all cylinders but so has Vancouver's top line of the Sedins and Burrows. This game should be a real match of 2 juggernauts, luckily for the Wings this contest will be at the Joe Louis arena and in the middle of a long road trip for the Canucks.

Game 4: Colorado Avalanche @ Home

Colorado sits 11th place in the West and 3 points out of the final playoff spot. They've been lukewarm 3-5-2 in their last 10 games. The bright light for this slumping team has been up-and-comer Ryan O'Reilly who has already set career highs in goals and assists. Detroit has had trouble against subpar teams this year, but if their winning streak is still intact when their historical rivals come in to town look for the Wings to be fired up in this contest.