Detroit (14-2-3) at Vancouver (13-6-2) 10:00 p.m. EST
VANCOUVER, British Columbia (Ticker) -- The Detroit Red Wings
are no strangers to strong starts, and this season is no
exception.
The defending Stanley Cup Champions will look to maintain a
perfect November on Monday when they visit the Vancouver
Canucks, who expect to be without goaltender Roberto Luongo.
The Canucks captain injured his groin in a 3-1 win over the
Pittsburgh Penguins on Saturday. Luongo went down attempting to
make a save on a shot that was blocked in front. He was helped
of the rink by the training staff, putting no weight on his left
leg.
His status will be updated Monday, but Luongo is not expected to
play against the Red Wings.
The loss will be a huge blow against Detroit, which has yet to
lose in regulation this month, with just a 7-6 overtime setback
vs. Pittsburgh on November 11 the lone time in eight games it
has failed to net the full two points.
The offense is averaging four goals per game over the last five
wins, and Jiri Hudler has four goals in the past three contests.
Newcomer Marian Hossa has been a great addition to the top line,
leading the club with 24 points.
Hudler and Pavel Datsyuk each tallied a goal and an assist and
Hossa added an empty-net goal in a 5-2 win over the Calgary
Flames on Saturday.
Vancouver has not suffered a regulation loss since falling to
the Red Wings, 3-2 on November 2. Hudler had a pair of assists
in the contest and Luongo made 20 saves.
The Canucks have gone 7-0-2 since that setback.