The set-up: Vancouver is 5-3 and Detroit is 3-5. Vancouver has already beaten the Wings 5-1 at home, but now Detroit will look to exact some revenge in its own building vs. a now road weary and contented Canucks team. Vancouver is getting great defensive play and goaltending, both from Jacob Markstrom and Thatcher Demko, but after beating the Rangers in New York and with this being the final contest on a long-trip, I believe this does indeed set up as a "letdown/look-ahead" spot for the over-achieving visitors.

The pick: Detroit comes in having lost four straight, making this an early "do or die" game for the home side. The Wings' netminders have hit or miss, but note that the Canucks are just 28-42 (-12.5 units) in their last 70 vs. clubs with losing records, while Detroit is 6-2 in its last eight after playing three straight on the road. In my opinion, this is the very definition of "great line value."

10* COACH'S CORNER on the Detroit Red Wings.