DETROIT – Home ice has thus far been kind to the Detroit Red Wings, who are riding a three-game winning streak at Joe Louis Arena.
A visit from the struggling Calgary Flames on Tuesday might just keep their triumphant ways going. Despite coming off a loss in their last outing, a 4-2 road setback to Columbus, the Red Wings have been a superior team playing in front of the home crowd, notching 14 goals in those three victories.
Recommended Videos
The Flames, meanwhile, will gladly take a win any way they can get it. Calgary owns an NHL-low four points, with its lone win coming against Edmonton on Jan. 26. A matchup against the Red Wings might not be able to cure those woes, as the Flames have dropped seven of nine meetings against Detroit.
TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, RSN West (Calgary), FS Detroit
ABOUT THE FLAMES (1-3-2): Confidence is not lacking in the Flames' dressing room despite their struggles. "I see many positive signs all over our game, and it's just a matter of collecting a couple of wins and growing a little confidence," coach Bob Hartley told The Associated Press.
One player in dire need of a confidence boost is Jarome Iginla, a potent scorer who has yet to score this season. Alex Tanguay had in assist in Saturday's 3-2 shootout loss to Chicago, and leads the team with six points (three goals, three assists).
ABOUT THE RED WINGS (4-3-1): The Red Wings weren't hurting for scoring chances against the Blue Jackets, failing to convert on all five of their power-play opportunities. They could certainly use an offensive boost from the third and fourth lines as the bottom six forwards have yet to register a goal on the season.
Goaltender Jimmy Howard figures to make up for some of that lacking production against the Flames, whom he has beaten seven of eight times while sporting a 2.35 goals against average.
Flames F Jiri Hudler returns to Detroit for the first time since signing with Calgary this offseason after spending his first seven seasons in the Motor City.
Red Wings D Brendan Smith was placed on injured reserve and will miss 2-to-4 weeks with a sprained shoulder.
Calgary allows 3.7 goals per game, 26th in the NHL.