[Game Thread] Wings vs. Canadiens

I am quite excited for tonight's game against the Montreal Canadiens (11-5-4). While I will actually be at the game and unable to leave comments here, I'd love for you guys to post your thoughts and I'll come by once I get back from the Joe. The Wings (14-2-4) have won seven of their past eight home games against Montreal.

The biggest news of today is that Darren McCarty was demoted to Grand Rapids while Darren Helm was recalled. While I will always be a McCarty fan, I was really impressed by Helm this past postseason and love the speed he brings to this team. It does sound like this will be a temporary switch (as in just one game).

"Our feeling on the plane last night was we'd been on the road for a week, we got home at 7, the first game home is tough, we want more energy,'' general manager Ken Holland said. "Helm plays with tons of energy.

"Darren's been playing 4-5 minutes (a game). He has a fight almost every game. He's done a great job in protecting our team but we just thought for tonight, our priority was to get some legs in the lineup. We're going to reassess tomorrow what we're doing.''

Dan Cleary will hopefully return on Friday, but will be out tonight as will Chris Chelios and Tomas Holmstrom. Ty Conklin should get the start.

In other news, please welcome the newest addition to SBN hockey, Japer's Rink! It's definitely one of the best run team blogs in the hockey blogosphere (they cover the Capitals) so I am really excited to have them aboard.

The game starts at 7:30pm and will be shown on FSN Detroit. Go Wings!