The Maple Leafs will have to focus on Henrik Zetterberg, Pavel Datsyuk along with. (Photo Rick Osentoski, USA TODAY Sports)

Story Highlights

  • Red Wings’ Daniel Alfredsson is a game-time decision
  • Maple Leafs have a better power play, the Red Wings take fewer penalties
  • Toronto needs full-game Detroit needs better consistency and the third period

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Time / TV: Wednesday, Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Detroit Red Wings, 1 p.m. ET, NBC

Goalie matchup: Detroit’s Jimmy Howard vs. Toronto’s Jonathan Bernier.

Weather forecast:. 17 degrees at game team at 9 mph winds, 55% chance of snow

Injuries: Detroit D Jonathan Ericsson (ribs) will not be back until later in January. RW Daniel Alfredsson (back spasms) is a game-time decision. Toronto, C Dave Bolland (Achilles tendon) is out indefintely.

Maple Leafs advantage: The power play. The Maple Leafs rank fifth in the NHL with a power-play efficiency of 22.3%. The Red Wings’ power play (19.3%) is ranked 11th.

MORE: Game to be snowy and showy

Red Wings advantage: The Red Wings are among the league’s least-penalized teams and the Maple Leafs among the most-penalized teams

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What the Maple Leafs need to do: 1. Pavel Datsyuk and shut down Henrik Zetterberg, Whether they play together or apart. The Red Wings have had trouble generating secondary scoring. 2. Consistency is 60 minutes. The Maple Leafs have difficulty Maintaining Their focus is the full game. They have had strong periods and weak periods During the same game. 3. Get David Clarkson rolling like he was with the New Jersey Devils. The Leafs expected him to be a force When They signed him as a free agent. He only has three goals this season.

What the Red Wings need to do: 1. Play this game like a postseason game. The Red Wings have a history of rising up in nationally televised games. 2. Anoint new heroes. In light of the rash of injuries, the Red Wings have needed younger players and role players to step up. Tomas Tatar and Danny DeKeyser are playing expanded roles. 3. Have a strong third period. The Red Wings have had third-period troubles this season.

Player to watch: Detroit D Niklas Kronwall has played like a Norris Trophy candidate this season

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MORE: Kevin Allen’s U.S. Olympic picks

Player to watch: Toronto RW Phil Kessel is expected to be the primary goal scorer for the USA at the Sochi Olympics

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Prediction: Red Wings 4, Maple Leafs 3

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