Break Out the Wings!

One of the best in the west, the defending champion Detroit Red Wings (31-10-7, 69), hit Verizon Center tomorrow at 12:30 for a big test for the Caps. With all of the attention on the San Jose Sharks, the Wings are somewhat quietly dominating again and have all of their firepower back from last year's champs -- not to mention Marian Hossa, who leads the team with 24 goals (and is seventh in the league).

Detroit has the best offense in the league (3.58 goals per game) and is uncharacteristically middle-of-the-pack on defense (2.90 GA per game, 19th). The Wings also boast the top power play in the league (27.7 percent) and are 25th in the league on the PK (78.4 percent). On the road, the Wings are a league-best 33 percent on the power play but dead last on the PK (73.6).

So the Caps have their work cut out for them, especially with their penalty kill (84.5 at home, 24th). However, their home power play (24.5 percent, fourth) might be able to save them if they stay out of the penalty box.

Notes: Props to Ed Frankovic at WNST for his breakdown of past Caps' playoff teams.