1* free play on the Detroit Red Wings ...

The Detroit Red Wings have been one of the hotter teams in the NHL over recent weeks, winning seven of their last eight games. They will entertain the Toronto Maple Leafs in an Original Six match-up at Joe Louis Arena tonight. The visitors are coming to Detroit filled of confidence after a successful home stand which saw them win four out of five games, but don't let those wins fool you. They've not been nearly as good on the road, and my money is definitely on the home team tonight.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Detroits Balance - Only three other teams in the NHL have scored more goals than Detroit, with Toronto being one of them. The Leafs ranks near the bottom for goals against though, while the Wings are holding a top spot in that category as well. They have outscored opponents 33-21 over their last eight, and will have a well rested Jimmy Howard in goal as he's not played since Saturday. The Maple Leafs on the other hand played last night and are likely to turn to Jonathan Reimer, 0-3-0 with a 3.96 GAA in four career start against the Wings, to tend the net.

2. Road Woes - The Maple Leafs have lost four of their last five away from home and one win is also all they've accomplished over their last five visits to Detroit.

3. X-Factor - "I think Pavel is the best player I've ever seen. We all know what he can do. When he's healthy, he's a big help for us." is what Tomas Tatar had to say about Pavel Datsyuk after the Wings 3-1 against Carolina. Datsyuk has undoubtedly had a great impact, scoring seven goals and four assists over six games, since coming back from a groin injury.

Selection: This is a play on the Detroit Red Wings (Free)