Game Day Updates/Projected Lines

The Wings had an optional skate this morning at Nationwide arena, here’s what we know about the rosters going into tonight's game:

As Ansar Khan reported yesterday:

With Athanasiou and Nielsen both out tonight, it looks like Michael Rasmussen will be slotted into the center position in his 10th NHL game, officially burning off a year of his ELC.

Detroit’s lineup should look similar to what they rolled out in practice yesterday. Note, Vanek should be slotted on the right wing of the second line, unless Nyquist can somehow play two positions at once:

UPDATE:

I imagine the lines will go through Mickey Redmond’s famous “bingo ball” treatment shortly after puck drop. If Rasmussen is indeed going to be slotted in the center position it will most likely be on the third of fourth line initially. Look for the third and fourth lines to go through several changes throughout the game.

As far as the starters in net tonight, Detroit will start Jimmy Howard and the Blue Jackets will go with Joonas Korpisalo between the pipes.

Keys to the Game

-Keep the momentum going

The Wings looked like an actual hockey team during their Sunday victory versus the Dallas Stars. Anthony Mantha looked dialed in on the top line with Helm and Larkin, and he will need to keep that going if the Wings are going to have a shot at winning tonight. With Athanasiou and Nielsen out, somebody is going to have to step up offensively, especially with the unavoidable line-juggling that is sure to take place.

-Composure/Discipline

Columbus is scrappy team and while the Wings will need to match their physicality, they cannot afford to take many, if any, undisciplined penalties. Once again, Detroit was poised against Dallas and they will need to keep that mindset and focus once again if they hope to win their third game of the season.

-Cholowski & Green

The Wings’ top defensive pair of Dennis Cholowski and Mike Green worked extremely well and efficiently together during the last game, and will look to keep that chemistry going to shut down Columbus’ offensive weapons. As young Cholowski continues to grow and impress, learning and playing alongside his childhood idol will undoubtedly pay off as he continues his journey in the NHL.