Gameday Update: Dallas Stars at Detroit Red Wings Line Combinations, Key Matchups

Line Combinations

Forwards

Defensemen

Goaltenders

Power Play units:

1. Tatar-Zetterberg-Mantha, Kronwall-Sproul

2. Nyquist-Nielsen-Vanek, Larkin-Green

Stars Line Combinations

Forwards

Defensemen

Goaltenders

Power Play units:

1. Benn-Seguin-Eaves, Spezza_Klingberg

2. Shore-Faksa-Ritchie, Sharp-Honka

Keys to the Game:

Protect Petr

For whatever reason two trends have begun to show for the Red Wings when Petr Mrazek is in net. First, they score more goals with Petr back there then they do with Jimmy Howard in net. Unfortunately they also seem to hang Mrazek out to dry more often as well resulting in more goals being scored on them. Even without a few key forwards this is still a Dallas Stars team that will make you pay for mistakes. The Wings need to find a way to remain aggressive offensively without completely hanging Mrazek out to dry or this one could get ugly.

Shoot, Shoot, Shoot

Dallas is just as bad at limiting shots on their own net as the Red Wings and worse than the Wings in keeping pucks out of it. The Wings need to continue looking to use their size and speed along the wings to get bodies and pucks on net.

Eliminate the Late Game Mistakes

Lindy Ruff has split Benn and Seguin up in order to try and get some offense going beyond their top line but you can bet your last dollar if the Stars are in need of a goal late 14 and 91 are going to see a lot of ice time together, especially with the Red Wings struggling to protect leads. The Wings are going to need to find a way to shore up their late game defense or find away to put this game out of reach early.