Detroit Red Wings-Vancouver Canucks
Thu Jan 17, 2008, 7:30 pm EST

Detroit Red Wings (33-10-4)

Best team in league is on 3 game losing streak.

But that is sort of normal for NHL as No team can play in good form when you have to play 82 games in 6 months.

Detroit’s losing streak started with 6-5 shootout loss to Minnesota on Jan. 10,than came 3-2 defeat at Ottawa on Jan 12 and finally they lost 5-1 to Atlanta on Tuesday.

If Mike Babkok continues with his goalkeeper rotation that will mean that Chris Osgood(19-3-2 with 1.95 GAA and .922 SV%) will start in this game.

Vancouver Canucks (25-17-4)

It seems that Vancouver are in a bad period too as they have lost 3 out of last 4 games and they have some problems in offense.

On last 5 away matches Vancouver lost 4 times and only in SO win in St.Louis they managed to score 3 goals.

Twins Daniel and Henrik Sedin are the main players in offense and if they don’t play well usually team doesn’t have many opportunities for goal.

(D) Kevin Bieksa who IMO is the teams best defender in last season is still out with lacerated right calf. (C) Brendan Morisson (8g, 12 a in 30 games played) is also on injured reseve.

STATS COMPARISON

Detroit home 18-4-2 *** Vancouver away 12-10-2

Current form (last 5 games)
Detroit W-W-OTL-L-L *** Vancouver W-L-L-W-L

GFA
Detroit 3.27 (2nd) *** Vancouver 2.53 (22nd)

GAA
Detroit 2.10 (1st) *** Vancouver 2.23 (3rd)

Power Play (%)
Detroit 22.2 (3rd) *** Vancouver 17.8 (14th)

Penalty Kill (%)
Detroit 84.9(7th) *** Vancouver 81.9(15th)

HEAD TO HEAD

This season
29.10.2007 Vancouver-Detroit 2:3
25.10.2007 Detroit-Vancouver 3:2

THE VERDICT

It’s a small setback for Detroit, but my opinion is that they won’t allow 3 consecutive losses in Joe Louis Arena.

Vancouver used to make upsets when they visited Detroit in last few seasons but Vancouver looked really tired in their last game at Columbus.

I expect Detroit to attack and dominate the game but you won’t see blowout in this game. Probably one goal win in low scoring game.

PERCENTAGE ESTIMATE :

Detroit 48% – Draw 24% - Vancouver 28%

FIXED ODDS BETTING :

Detroit to win in regulation.
Under 5.5 total goals