Preview: Wings Play in Atlanta, Hudler Will Not

"We know Huds is a very good player, we need him to be an important player for us..." - Coach Mike Babcock

Detroit (13-2-3) @ Atlanta (9-9-3)

After being one of the heroes in Detroit's comeback win over Calgary to end the homestand, Henrik Zetterberg leads the Red Wings into Atlanta to face the Thrashers.

The biggest roster news coming out today is that Jiri Hudler, the former KHL "superstar" who just can't get it going on this side of the Atlantic again, will be sitting this one out. Although we of Red Wings Nation can voice our disapproval of Hudler's play openly, such is not the case for coach Babcock. As he was quoted by the Free Press, "I don't know what to tell you. If I say yes, it would look bad."

In other news, Chris Osgood's groin troubles are almost past, but he is not healthy enough to start just yet, so Jimmy Howard will be filling the crease again tonight.

Let's look at The Geek's Winning Formula for tonight's game:

1.) Shut Down Ex-Hawks - Andrew Ladd and Dustin Byfuglien have been playing hero for the Thrashers of late, with Fugly scoring an OT winner in Atlanta's last game, and Ladd is playing some of the best hockey of his life. These are a pair of guys that Detroit should really look to stifle tonight.

2.) Balanced Offense - We got some good attacking from our top lines in the last match against Calgary, but even then it would've been nice to see the offense be more consistent instead of coming in bursts. If our boys can keep a persistent pressure in the offensive zone, we may not need a last-minute hero.

3.) Come Out Blazing - Ondrej Pavelec has good memories of playing against Detroit, and we should change that as soon as possible. Get him off his game early so he can forget about that shutout from the lone game he's started against the Red Wings.

Gonna be at a rehearsal tonight, so no game for me...but you guys have fun!

Enjoy the game, Wingnuts! Let's Go Red Wings!!

#OperationCurlyFries - The Spicy Tuber Revolution

It is as glorious to taste as it is to behold. Those golden locks, like the ringlets that framed the face of your first true love. That tender spiciness and that gentle crispness...

I love my hat-trick curly fries.

And I want them back, Arby's. I want them back.

#OperationCurlyFries is on the move, and The Geek is joining the ranks.

Bring back the hat-trick curly fries, Arby's!! Undo this terrible wrong before it is too late!!

Rise with us, Wingnuts! Let's Go #OperationCurlyFries !!

Preview: Maintaining Homeland Security - Wings VS Wild

Detroit (12-3-1) VS Minnesota (9-6-2)

The Red Wings continue their 6-game homestand with the matchup that highlighted the much-talked-about event "H2H" last year. That's right, Detroit will be defending the JLA against the invasion led by the Minnesota Wild tonight. The big story around the Detroit Sports world, however, is the offensive surge being led by resident Newf, Danny Cleary. Will the man from The Rock be able to keep his point and goal streaks alive tonight? I sure hope so!

Let's take a look at The Geek's Winning Formula for tonight's matchup:

1.) Fix the Top Line Troubles - While it's good to see so much scoring from Cleary and the bottom half of the roster, we have so much talent up front on the top 2 lines and it just isn't performing the way it should be. One problem has been shots, but the Wings have been working on that, as was evidenced in the 3rd period against the Blues. The other problem is...

2.) Needs Moar Traffic! - We have nobody running screens in front of the net! Homer has been trying--and succeeded last game, but if his minutes are getting cut, as I believe I had heard previously, we need other bodies jumping in front of the crease.

3.) Build Off PP Success - We were able to convert 2 garbage PP goals against St. Louis. Though I'd prefer they had counted for something more at a more crucial time, I'll take the success when we can get it. Now to start converting earlier PP chances and burning teams when it counts.

Off to work, enjoy the game Wingnuts! Let's Go Red Wings!!

Preview: From Deadly Rivals to Dead Rivalry - Wings VS Avs

Detroit (10-3-1) VS Colorado (8-6-1)

It's been a long time since the thought of Wings VS Avs has sparked a deep passion in my blood. The rivalry that fueled the hockey world in the late 90's and into the new millennium has turned into a distant memory. As the Wings have remained a constant contender in the West, the Avalanche have been to the top AND bottom of the mountain. Most of their time in the last few years has been spent nearer to the base.

That doesn't mean that these two teams can't get a little nasty with each other from time to time, and it just might happen tonight when the Red Wings play host to Colorado. Before gametime, let's look quickly at The Geek's Winning Formula:

1.) Get More Shots - The Wings were outshot by Colorado in their last meeting in October 12, 38-28. Not cool, boys. This should not be a factor tonight, but I mention it in the hopes that some crazy-random chain of events has the team seeing it and further making sure to blast away as often as possible.

2.) Keep Them tired - Colorado played last night, Detroit did not. In fact, the Avs played their hearts out last night, earning a 5-1 victory against Columbus. Let's not waste any time and jump n the throat from the get-go, shall we? An early push and good pressure will help break the Avs quickly.

3.) Blue-Collar Muscle - As long as we keep getting consistent effort from guys like Danny Cleary, we're looking good and able to win any game put before us. Tonight is no exception, and one guy who usually battles hard who I want to see excel tonight is Johan Franzen. The Mule has burned the Avs badly in the past, and I'm still waiting fr him to get back into form this season.

See you on Twitter, Wingnuts! Let's Go Red Wings!!