Red Wings prepare to end 2-game skid against rival Sharks

Very identical to the NFL's Detroit Lions, the Detroit Red Wings started the season with five straight wins before losing the last two games to Washington and Columbus. And just like the Lions, the Wings will look to getting back on the winning track this weekend when they face their arch rivals, the San Jose Sharks this Friday night at the Joe Louis Arena, followed by a Saturday road trip to Minnesota.

If it's any comfort to the Wings and their fans, Detroit holds a 3-0 record at the Joe. Plus, it's a chance for the Red Wings to get a measure of revenge against the Sharks after going down to them in seven games in last year's conference semifinals.

Detroit is currently two points behind 1st place Chicago in the Central Division and seek to reclaim the top spot by the end of Saturday night.

Red Wings head coach Mike Babcock expresses his thoughts about his team