The Wings head into the second week of December riding a ten-game point streak in which they’re 7-0-3. While much of that streak has to do with the Wings being unable to hold third period leads, their last two games have been an offensive explosion and a comeback win that really looked like a group of guys are starting to have a lot of fun playing for and with each other under Jeff Blashill’s system.
This would be a good time to stay hot though, because Detroit has three games in four nights this week, two of them are on the road, and two are against division-leading teams.
Here’s what’s in store:
Sunday – Metro Division Chase Day
The Wings are off, but Florida, Ottawa, Buffalo, and Tampa are all playing (against New Jersey, the Rangers, Edmonton, and L.A. respectively). Ottawa could pass Detroit in the standings with an equal number of games played if they beat the Rangers, which is pretty annoying. Florida and Tampa could pull within two and three points of the Wings.
Monday – Hope we Didn’t Break the Predators Day
Detroit currently has three points up on Boston, but the Bruins have two games in hand. They’ll use one of those on Monday playing at home against the Predators. The Wings will be paying attention to this one from their hotel rooms in Washington. Elsewhere, Minnesota and Colorado meet in the most-heated lukewarm rivalry currently going. Also, Buffalo heads to Vancouver for a late-night tilt.
Tuesday – Red Wings at Capitals (7:30pm on NBCSN)
Ah crap, we got a national broadcast game. The Wings will likely have a guy or two called up by the time this game comes around. Detroit and Washington have split the season series so far in two low-scoring affairs. Let’s see if we get a barnburner out of this one. Elsewhere in the division, Ottawa and Florida go head-to-head, and Toronto plays New Jersey.
Wednesday – Hump Back Home Day
Detroit will be heading back home to get ready for the Canadiens on Thursday. Meanwhile, those Habs will be playing in Montreal against Boston in a Rivalry Night game that actually fits the title. No other games on this night are worthwhile or interesting.
Thursday – Red Wings vs. Canadiens (7:30pm on FS-D)
For what feels like only the second time all season, Detroit will face a team that played the previous night, as they’ll meet the division-leading Montreal Canadiens. The Habs won’t have Carey Price, but unlike last season, he’s not the sole reason for their success. Detroit can’t seem to figure out the Habs lately. Now would be a good time to do just that. Elsewhere, we have an OTT-TBL matchup while Florida welcomes Washington and Buffalo is in Calgary.
Friday – Red Wings at Devils (7:00pm on FS-D)
The Devils have been a surprisingly good team so far this season and will get to meet a Wings squad just coming off the Montreal game. New Jersey plays the new trap style where they force a low-event game and try to win in the margins. The Wings will need a strong performance. No other Atlantic Division teams are in action on Friday.
Saturday – Atlantic Extravaganza
Detroit and Toronto are the only two Atlantic teams not in action on Saturday. FLA-BOS and OTT-MTL are the two head-to-head matchups while Buffalo plays Los Angeles and Tampa is at home against Washington. Should be a good night to get some good hockey-watching in (provided you still like to watch hockey after Thursday and Friday).
