Just a day after being awarded the 2013 NHL Winter Classic, the Detroit Red Wings will play host the Anaheim Ducks tonight at the Joe Louis Arena.
Opening face off: 7:30 p.m.
Money Line: Detroit -168, Anaheim +155
Over/under: 5.5
TV: NHL Network, Fox Sports Detroit, Fox Sports West 2
2011-12 records: Anaheim 50 points, Detroit 74 points
Last meeting: Detroit 4, Anaheim 2 (2011)
Goals per game-Anaheim ranks 19th, Detroit comes in ranked fifth in the NHL. Advantage: Red Wings
Goals against per game-Anaheim ranks 24th; Detroit comes in sixth. Advantage: Red Wings
Power play %-Anaheim comes in at 18th in the league while Detroit checks in at No. 15. Advantage: Even
Penalty kill %: Anaheim checks in at No. ten while Detroit is ranked 25th. Advantage: Even
Intangibles: The Ducks have struggled this season and currently sit 10 points out of the last playoff spot in the Western Conference while the Red Wings have won 18 straight at home. Detroit has the edge in scoring and goaltending while Anaheim has the clear advantage in penalty killing. Ageless wonder Teemu Selanne has 50 points for the Ducks while Pavel Datsyuk has 55 points for Detroit. Overall talent wise, Detroit has the edge and will be playing at home. Advantage: Red Wings
Prediction: Detroit 5, Anaheim 2 (I like Detroit here at home and the over).
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