Currently on a four game losing streak, the Wings are looking to bounce back in Carolina tonight. Both of these teams have been performing very similarly over the course of this season. They are locked in a tie in the standings with 33 points and have identical 3-5-2 records in their last ten games.

Tonight will be the third match-up between these two this season. Carolina took the first one by a score of 3-2 and Detroit won the second in a 4-3 shootout. The tie breaker tonight will shoot them over their opponent and the Ottawa Senators in the standings.

The Red Wings have been struggling to score big time lately. They are hurting pretty bad, both offensively and defensively, with the absence of Mike Green on the blue line. Dennis Cholowski, their only other defenseman with the prowess to score consistently, can’t handle that whole load.

As for the forwards, the 4th line contributed a goal in Tuesday’s outing against the Flyers and Dylan Larkin continues to shoulder the offensive weight. Personally, I’ve thought Thomas Vanek has looked atrocious lately. He may be doing some mentoring off the ice, but I really hope none of the young players pick up his habits on the ice.

The Hurricanes are the epitome of a team who should have a better record. Nevermind the top-4, their top-6 is impressive. But, I guess there’s only so many goals a good defense can prevent. At the end of the day, they need the support in net to win games.

Sebastian Aho leads the offensive charge by a long shot on this team, with 12 goals and 34 points. The Hurricanes only have two players who have broken the 10-goal mark and two players who have broken the 20-point mark this season. Andrei Svechnikov has looked impressive with 9 goals and 17 points so far in his rookie campaign.

Jonathan Bernier vs. Petr Mrazek

Well, this should be a high scoring game. Jonathan Bernier has been incredibly underwhelming this season and, with Howard out with an injured back, will get the nod tonight. Petr Mrazek has also been underwhelming in Carolina, posting an .899 save percentage and further proving the Red Wings’ decision to part with him as the right one.

Puck drop is at 7:00 P.M. ET tonight and you’ll be able to watch the game on Fox Sports Detroit or Fox Sports Carolina.

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