Morning Skate: January 25

The Morning After:
Yesterday’s results:

Rangers 3, Jets 0

Maple Leafs 4, Islanders 3 (OT)

Capitals 5, Bruins 3

Sabres 2, Devils 1 (SO)

Flyers 3, Panthers 2 (SO)

Lightning 4, Blue Jackets 2

Penguins 3, Blues 2 (SO)

Predators 3, Blackhawks 1

Stars 1, Ducks 0

Sharks 1, Flames 0

Coyotes 3, Senators 2

Wild 3, Avalanche 2

Canucks 3, Oilers 2 (SO)

RLD 3 stars of the night:
1. Mathieu Perreault (3 goals, GWG)
2. Kari Lehtonen (27 saves, shutout)
3. Antti Niemi (25 saves, shutout)
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Tonight’s slate:
Red Wings @ Canadiens

Game of the night:
Detroit Red Wings @ Montreal Canadiens
7:30 ET… TV: RDS, TSN, NBC Sports Channel

Records:
Overall: Red Wings (33-15-1) … Canadiens (18-21-9)
Away/Home: Red Wings (13-13-0) … Canadiens (8-9-7)
Last 10: Red Wings (8-2-0) … Canadiens (4-4-2)
Season Series: First meeting this season

Starting goaltenders:
DET- Jimmy Howard (2011-12 stats: 30-10-1, 1.95 GAA)
MTL- Carey Price (2011-12 stats: 16-17-8, 2.41 GAA)

Injury report:
DET- Patrick Eaves (fractured jaw, out) and Brad Stuart (knee, likely).
MTL- Brian Gionta (bicep tear, out for season), Andrei Markov (knee, out), Ryan White (hernia, day-to-day), Petteri Nokelainen (upper-body injury, day-to-day), Travis Moen (upper-body injury, day-to-day), Carey Price (laceration, likely) and Rene Bourque (flu, questionable).

Three things to watch:
1. The Magic Man
Pavel Datsyuk enters the game as one of the hottest players in hockey. In the new year, the top-line center has two goals and 14 points through only 10 games. He tends to elevate his game while in the spotlight so expect his A-game in his last contest before the All-Star Game.
2. All-Star Goalies
Jimmy Howard and Carey Price were honored to represent their teams during the All-Star Game and figure to provide a solid goalie dual tonight. Historically, Howard has won both of his two starts against the Habs so expect Price to play with a chip on his shoulder.
3. Original Six
Very rarely do these two teams get a chance to play each other so tonight should be a doozy. These two Original Six teams are the most successful franchises in NHL history so expect both world-class organizations to put on a show. However, only the Red Wings have succeeded in their winning ways so, again, the Habs should be playing with something to prove.

Final thought: This game is a mismatch on paper but the Canadiens might find the Red Wings asleep at the wheel. The Red Wings have won seven straight games which means they could be due for a loss. And, a strong goalie like Carey Price has the capability of stealing a game. Regardless, the Red Wings likely win this one. Prediction: Red Wings 4, Canadiens 1
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Five must-read stories:
- Sportsnet Magazine: Mr. Hockey's Toughest Fight
- The Sporting News: Flyers' Hartnell evolves beyond agitator, earns deserved All-Star Game nod
- SI.com's Red Light: Why Tim Thomas’ White House snub was wrong
- CBS Eye on Hockey: How the NHL's top scorers have been used
- Yahoo! Puck Daddy: Hockey rink roof collapses moments after Richard Zednik, youth players leave ice (Video)
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Video of the day:



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