> A Right Rumble In The Cell: The big story here is the easiest: these are the two heavyweights in the stronger Western Conference. If you like hockey, you’ll like this game. Both offenses are flying high, but recently the Wings are coughing up more goals than they’d like (17 in their last five starts). Osgood’s got a wonky groin (could be out for awhile), so Howard will get the nod against the team that has lit him up the most.

> Littering The IR: Besides the special teams advantage, the other help Vancouver is getting is from the emergency room where too many Red Wings are ending up. It started with the contest between these teams when Samuelsson helped deliver a broken hand to Datsyuk. Joining the Selke winner are Cleary (broken ankle), Modano (remember him? – injured wrist) and Stuart will be gone two months with a broken jaw. Filppula is a gametime decision. Bertuzzi (remember him?) will get first line duties while Franzen will drive the second line.

> Impress Your Friends With Knowledge!: Since the shootout loss to Tampa nearly a month ago, Kesler has amassed 19 points (11G, 8A); for the sake of comparison, Tomas Holmstrom has 20 all season. He’s three away from breaking his highest goal total for his career and is on pace for a mind-numbing 47 goals.