ack-to-back games at Joe Louis Arena yielded positive results for the Red Wings as they took both and a commanding 2-0 lead in the series. Whether or not they will be able to carry that momentum to Mellon Arena in Pittsburgh is a different question in itself.
A portion of the Wings line-up will be a mystery until near start time as Mikael Samuelsson is a game-time decision for an undisclosed injury. If Samuelsson sits, Kris Draper could return to the lineup after substantial time out. Pavel Datsyuk is still out but is closer and closer to returning and could be in the line-up for Game 4.
Some of the things to look for in tonight’s game:
- Will Zetterberg and Malkin’s end of game scuffle carry over any emotion for either team or is it a thing of the past? Both players could be ignited by the events and could be looking for retribution in the goal column.
- Will Detroit return in the face-off circle after winning significantly less than in game 1?
- How will the hostile Pittsburgh affect Marian Hossa? Will he thrive on the energy or collapse?
- Will
Napoleon DynamiteJustin Abdelkader make it 3 for 3 in the Cup Finals with goals? Unlikely but he’s becoming a player to watch with his energy and determination. - Can Chris Osgood keep a 1 GAA for the Cup Finals? If the defense keeps playing this way, why not?
Puck drops at 8:00 pm (or about 10 minutes after) and the game can be seen on Versus, CBC, or RDS and as always, GO WINGS!
