Detroit Red Wings desperate to end skid as Carolina Hurricanes visit – NHL Preview
Although they are far from the comfort zone in the National Hockey League (NHL) Eastern Conference, Carolina Hurricanes are not losing hope and that’s exactly what they should do with just seven more games to play in the regular season.
They have a chance to get another victory as they take on the slumping Detroit Red Wings on Saturday, March 24, 2012, at Joe Louis Arena, Detroit, Michigan.
The Red Wings, who set up the NHL record for winning most straight games on home ice this season, are struggling badly and should find their rhythm if they are planning on taking a shot at Stanley Cup.
Here is a look at both teams.
Hurricanes
They are ranked at 11th spot in the Eastern Conference with 75 points after 75 games and are seven points behind the eighth-ranked Washington Capitals.
In their last game, Hurricanes were defeated by the already eliminated Columbus Blue Jackets. Before the defeat, Hurricanes had won four games in a row.
Blue Jackets scored a goal in the first period and added two more in the second in which Hurricanes got their only goal of the game.
Blue Jackets added two more goals in the final period and won the game, 5-1.
Hurricanes’ centre, Brandon Sutter, said after the game:
"That wasn't very good. We obviously didn't play the way we wanted to. A tough one for us. We need all the points we can right now to get in the top eight. It's not acceptable."
Red Wings
They are ranked at fourth spot in the Western Conference with 93 points after 74 games and could easily qualify for the playoffs, but their recent performance has made them an underdog entering into the postseason.
Red Wings have only won two games this month and lost eight.
The recent defeats came against Nashville Predators (3-2), Los Angeles Kings (5-2), Anaheim Ducks (4-0), San Jose Sharks (3-2 in overtime), Washington Capitals (5-3) and New York Rangers (2-1 in overtime).
In their last game, Red Wings had an opportunity to snap their skid as they were tied, 1-1, after the first period.
However, they failed to score any more goals in the game and Rangers eventually got one in the overtime.
Red Wings still got a point and were seemingly satisfied with it. Their coach, Mike Babcock, said after the game:
"I don't think it's frustrating. It would have been the nice to get the second point. We had our opportunities, especially in the last minutes of the game. In the end, we didn't get 'er done."
Predictions
Hurricanes have a slight edge.
The sum of goals scored by both teams might be six or more.
If Red Wings win, the winning margin will be less than two goals.
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