Panthers at Red Wings
THE STORY: The Detroit Red Wings are hoping that All-Star Jimmy Howard can help them put an end to their struggles. Howard labored in his return on Friday after being sidelined for four games with a groin injury, but is expected to draw the start in Sunday's home tilt against the Florida Panthers. Coach Kevin Dineen's club could also use a boost after winning just one of its last six games (1-2-3).
TV: 4 p.m., NHLN, FSFL
ABOUT THE PANTHERS (37-25-16): Things were going so well for Florida, which had flustered Philadelphia to post its fifth straight win on March 20. Then, the bottom fell out against the bottom feeders of the NHL. The Panthers' offense dried up as they mustered 10 goals in their last six games – with just one tally coming in a 4-1 loss to NHL-worst Columbus on Friday. Tomas Kopecky scored the goal and has three points in his last four games for Florida, which leads Washington by just two points in the Southeast Division.
ABOUT THE RED WINGS (46-27-5): Although it has secured its 21st consecutive postseason appearance, Detroit certainly isn't heading into the second season on a high note. The Red Wings fell to 3-8-2 in their last 13 games after dropping a 4-1 decision to Central Division rival Nashville on Friday. Despite their struggles, the Red Wings trail the fourth-place Predators by just one point. Jiri Hudler netted his third goal in four games, but has failed to score in four career matches versus the Panthers.
OVERTIME:
1. Florida's Jose Theodore is mired a season-high five-game losing skid. Ending the slump looks to be an uphill climb against Detroit, against which he has won just four of 11 career meetings.
2. Detroit's Johan Franzen needs one more game-winning goal to tie Sergei Fedorov (11) for the franchise record.