> Fatigue Factor: This will be Vancouver’s fourth game in six nights and Detroit’s third game in fourth nights. How fresh will those legs be for both squads? The Canucks should have more spring in their step, but have been known to start slowly at home (where they remain undefeated). Look for the coaches to spread the ice time around once the jimmy legs creep in towards the halfway point of the game.

> The teams of the special variety: The Canucks have been feasting on the opposition’s PK this week which explains their vault to the top of the PP ranks. The Red Wings, in return, boast a top five PK. The game could easily be won or loss depending on which special teams units deliver.

> Hanging with the elites: Vancouver was the media darling for Cup rights in the preseason. In order to get anywhere close to that goal they have to beat teams like the Red Wings. Not by a fluke goal or by clinging to the lead for 20 minutes, they need to win convincingly. It’s a true battle between two of the best around and certainly the first of many bellwether games for Vancouver.