Red Wings-Ducks: Todd Bertuzzi May Sit, Andreas Lilja Returns

In order to head into another four-day layoff on a three-game win streak, the Detroit Red Wings will need to achieve the quick start that Mike Babcock so demands.

Tonight's game has a few interesting story lines. One is the rematch of the home opener (where the Ducks fell to a 4-0 loss against the Red Wings), where Pavel Datsyuk got his first, and likely only, Gordie Howe hat-trick of his career.

After starting the season 0-3, the Ducks are playing better, winning two of their last three games. Though they are sure to bring their physical—often undisciplined—play back into Joe Louis Arena, they're not likely to be as easy to knock off as they were the first time.

The Red Wings are currently in second place in the Central Division behind Chicago, however, the Wings do have three games in hand on the Blackhawks.  A win tonight (and a Chicago loss) would tie them for first.

Here are some additional story lines to follow tonight:

With Todd Bertuzzi questionable, Justin Abdelkader could make his season debut.

Detroit's leading scorer, Todd Bertuzzi (not a typo), is nursing a foot injury sustained during Thursday's game against Calgary. 

Playing will be a game-time decision and, if he decides he can't, we'll see Justin Abdelkader make his 2010-11 season debut. Abdelkader has been sidelined with a rib injury the past few weeks, but he's now ready to return to the lineup.

While losing Bertuzzi isn't easy, Abdelkader should provide the energy and physical edge needed against the Ducks.

Andreas Lilja returns to Detroit.

After turning down a one-year deal to stay in Detroit this summer, Andreas Lilja was forced to try out with the San Jose Sharks to keep his hopes of staying in the NHL alive.

The Sharks released Lilja before the season starter, casting serious doubt on Lilja and his family's chances of remaining in the US (without employment, Lilja will be forced to return to his native Sweden).

At the 11th hour, the Ducks came calling and signed the veteran defenseman to a one-year contract.

Lilja admitted his regret in not taking Detroit's offer, making his return to his former home an interesting subplot to tonight's game.

Detroit fans know about Lilja's ability to be a difference-maker with his shot-blocking and penalty-killing abilities. However, tonight they hope Lilja shows his penchant for creating turnovers.

Power Plays will come, and so must the goals.

The Ducks remain one of the most heavily penalized teams in the NHL, providing an opportunity for Detroit to use the powerplay to its advantage.  Its powerplay has been lackluster thus far, and though it did look better on Thursday against Calgary, Detroit must ensure its chances count in order to win.

Look for the powerplay to remain mobile and shifty, as Detroit's strategy of staying stationary and trying to score on perimeter shots hasn't yielded much of anything this season.

Tomas Holmstrom will surely plant his keister in front of Duck's goalie Jonas Hiller, but, as the Swedish Demolition Man has yet to score this season, getting his stick on the puck and into the net is going to be a high priority.

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