For the only time this season, the Detroit Red Wings face the Buffalo Sabres on the road later today. Detroit has gone 1-7-2 over the last ten games and desperately needs a win to stop this nasty losing streak.
Dominik Hasek will get the start today. It's his second start (he played on Friday) since missing a few weeks with an injured hip flexor. Niklas Kronwall returned from his sprained clavicle injury on Friday and will also play today. Just before the trade deadline, the Wings traded for physical defenseman Brad Stuart of the LA Kings so his presence most certainly helps with Detroit's current injury woes.
Brian Rafalski hopes to return in time for Wednesday's game at home, but will not play today although he did travel with the team to Buffalo. Captain Nicklas Lidstrom is still out with a sprained MCL and Chris Chelios remains out with a bone contusion in his knee. Likewise, forward Dan Cleary is also out with a broken jaw, but finally skated at practice late this week.
Be sure to visit fellow SBN blog Die by the Blade for the view from the Sabres' side!
The game starts at 6pm and will be shown on FSN Detroit. Go Wings!