Weekly Preview: January 15-21, 2012

Week: January 15-21, 2012

Another busy week for the Red Wings with 4 games and a back-to-back contest on Monday/Tuesday. Only one Divisional game though this week against the Columbus Bluejackets.

Game 1: Buffalo Sabres (@Home)

The Sabres currently sit 11th in the Eastern conference and are 3-5-2 in their last 10 games. With Detroit's home winning streak on the line this game will be a battle as they look to extend the streak to break the franchise record of 14 games. Ryan Miller is slated to get the start as the Sabres return to Miller's home state, though Miller is 2-5-2 against the Red Wings. From a Red Wings point of view it would be nice to see brother Drew Miller put a few pucks in the net.

Game 2: @ Dallas Stars

After 3 straight games at the Joe, the Red Wings head on a two day road trip starting Dallas. To start the week of Dallas has been a mediocre 5-5-0 in their last 10. Dallas's leading scorer Jamie Benn recently had his 5 game point streak snapped and has played 2 games with out a point. If he continues to slump this could be good news for whoever starts in net for Detroit.

Game 3: @ Phoenix Coyotes

Much like the rest of the teams the Wings face this week the Coyotes have been on a long cold streak going 2-4-4 in their last 10 to start the week. In their contest with the Red Wings last week they did manage to push the game to a Shoot-Out before Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg showed their Shoot-Out magic.

Game 4: Columbus Bluejackets (@Home)

The Columbus Bluejackets currently sit in last place in the entire league with only 29 points. Jeff Carter will likely still be on the Injured Reserve, but even when he has been playing he hasn't connected with Rick Nash as much as the Bluejackets had hoped. Providing Detroit doesn't get worn out on their road trip and maintain focus they should hopefully gain a victory here.

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Detroit will need to maintain focus and try not to get worn out as this is their 2nd straight week of 4 games. Their opponents this week have been mediocre at best and if the Wings stay sharp this could end up being a really good week for the Wings.