Game Preview : Easter In Detroit

Season Series

The Blackhawks get to spend their holiday in the lovely surroundings of Detroit, lucky them! If I were a betting man I'd wager that today's game ends with a 2-1 final score, probably in overtime. The last time the Hawks and Wings saw each other the nation was treated to another sick Patrick Kane shootout goal. The Wings nearly became the team to end "the streak" but Kaner went into f^%# you mode and put a stop to that idea. Injured stars Marian Hossa and Patrick Sharp did not make the trip to Motown. Hossa was moved to injured reserve which allowed them to call up Jeremy Morin from Rockford. I've been calling for this move since Hossa got injured, not sure why they waited until Hossa is close to returning. Still, Morin has to be more productive that Jamal Mayers, so hopefully he does something to stick around. Corey Crawford will return to the net for the Hawks today. Crow was in net for both Hawks wins over Detroit and is 9-2-2 with a 1.88 GAA and a .942 save % in his career against the Wings.

The Red Wings have a busy weekend off the ice. They sign the highest rated college free agent Dan DeKeyser to a 2 year deal. The young defenseman took part in Saturday's practice but is not expected to play against the Hawks. Head coach Mike Babcock also announced that injured forwards Johan Franzen and Mikael Samuelsson have been cleared to play on Sunday. To make room on the roster the Wings sent defenseman Kent Huskins to the Philadelphia Flyers for a conditional 7th round draft pick. The Wings are honoring the 85th birthday of Gordie Howe by all wearing number 9 jerseys during warmups today. Jimmy Howard, who has only given up 4 goals in his last 3 starts, will most likely get the start today. Howard does not have the greatest number versus the Hawks in his career going 4-6-4 record, a 2.66 GAA and a .910 save %.

Probable Chicago Blackhawks lineup:

Forwards

Goaltender

Corey Crawford 13-4-3, 2.02 GAA, .922 save %, 2 SO

Injuries

Marian Hossa (upper body) OUT, Patrick Sharp (shoulder) OUT

Leading Scorers

Probable Detroit Red Wings lineup

Forwards

Defensive Pairings

Goaltending

Jimmy Howard 14-9-4, 2.36 GAA, .919 save %, 2 SO

Injuries

Kyle Quincey (cheekbone) OUT, Darren Helm (back)OUT, Todd Bertuzzi (back) OUT

Leading Scorers

Chicago Blackhawks tickets