Jimmy Howard

It's a showdown between the top two teams in the Western Conference, and right now the Red Wings lead the season series 2-1.

But a lot has changed since the last meeting between these two. The Red Wings have made history and now hold a 23 game consecutive win streak at the Joe. The Canucks are now only two points behind the Wings. And the Wings also happen to be without their star forward Pavel Datsyuk.

The 33 year-old is expected to miss a month after having surgery on his knee. Datsyuk 16 goals and 43 assists this season, so it is to no surprise that fans may be a bit nervous about his absence.

"Pav's been out before and he's a huge part of our team bu...

It comes to nobody's surprise that even with some serious injuries this season, the Detroit Red Wings are still sitting pretty high in the NHL.

Even without their star goalie Jimmy Howard (finger), the Wings are not only on top of the Central Division, five points ahead of the St. Louis Blues, but also the Western Conference. The Wings have some star power in Pavel Datsyuk and Johan Franzen, and contributions from Filppula, Zetterberg and Hudler have given the team some great options in every game.

Is it safe to say that there are some players who need work? Of course.

Zetterberg's production may have gotten a slow start, but what the left winger lacks in goals t...

Yes, the title was an intended, unoriginal, funny pun. The Detroit Red Wings did "put out" the Flames and got back on track with their victory over Calgary!

First Period: The first period seemed to contain more physical play by Calgary. Jackman and Commodore both received a five minute penalty for fighting with four minutes left in the first. The fight was started because of a hip hit from Commodore to Jackman. But that wasn’t the beginning of the physical hits between the two teams, especially on Calgary’s part. It definitely was a good first period for the team, which is not always the best away. It took about six minutes f...

Two of the most storied franchises in NHL history. A match up between Original Six teams. The final game before the All-Star break. All of these factors culminate in what might be one of the more underrated games in the season.

As the first half of the season has shown, these teams certainly don't have much in common at this point.

The Red Wings (8-2-0) are sitting on top of the NHL with a seven-game win streak, and 17 consecutive victories at home, a franchise record. They haven't been the strongest team on the road, but the momentum they have right now can only be easing that pain.

The Canadiens (4-4-2) are 12th in the Eastern conference and are trying to get o...