One step forward, two steps back.
For the past month, that's the inconsistency that has plagued the
Detroit Red Wings. Over the stretch, the Red Wings have been unable
to string together more than back-to-back wins before being able to
build any more momentum.
Now, having lost three of their last four following a 6-3 loss to
San Jose on Saturday, the Red Wings must attempt to find their
footing on the road tonight against the Chicago Blackhawks.
For its part, Chicago has won three straight games after
experiencing difficulties of its own.
"Hopefully, we don't feel too good about ourselves because we win
one game," Red Wings center Frans Nielsen told reporters after
Saturday's loss. "I don't know if we have a different mentality
after a loss, (when) coming out, you want it a little more (and
have a) little too much confidence after a win.
"You have to work for 60 minutes and then see what happens. It has
been too many times we win a game and then we come out the next
game, we don't show up."
Help, however, may be on the way. The Detroit Free Press reported
Monday that the Red Wings could get forward Justin Abdelkader and
defenseman Mike Green back against the Blackhawks.
Abdelkader, who has four goals and four assists in 22 games this
season, has been out since Dec. 1 with a sprained MCL. Green, who
has been dealing with an unspecified ailment, was injured on Dec.
17 and has seven goals and 11 assists in 32 games. Both skated with
the Red Wings on Monday.
Detroit coach Jeff Blashill told reporters on Monday that he will
decide Tuesday if the pair will play in Chicago.
"We wanted to get a practice in and make sure they're ready to go,"
Blashill said, according to the Detroit Free Press. "They both, I
think, felt good. But I'll wait until they get evaluated by the
trainers, and then we'll make that final decision."
The Blackhawks, meanwhile, have found their stride with a
three-game winning streak that continued Tuesday with a 5-2 victory
over Nashville. Chicago has rediscovered some rhythm after losing
five of its previous six games before putting together the trio of
victories, all of which have been at home.
Entering tonight's game, the Blackhawks are 16-4-4 at the
United Center as Chicago winds up a four-game homestand against
Detroit before hitting the road to face the Capitals in Washington
on Friday night.
"It's huge," Chicago winger Patrick Kane told reporters after
Sunday's win in which rookie Ryan Hartman had a unique hat trick
that included two empty-net goals and Kane had three assists.
"We talked about having a good homestand and you know every game's
been pretty close. (We had a) big comeback win against Buffalo.
(We) kind of hung on there against Carolina. And then you find
yourself 2-2 in the third (against Nashville), it's nice to get
that third one and kind of build off of that.
"(We had a) couple of big wins. Hopefully (we're) trending in the
right direction. (We) keep trying to get better."
