Red Wings vs. Toronto...Orginal Six matchup at Joe Louis Arena

Detroit is hoping to get healthy before what could be its 20th consecutive postseason appearance, but it’s had trouble beating Toronto recently even with a more complete lineup.

With Pavel Datsyuk and Johan Franzen expected to sit out again, the Red Wings will try to avoid a fourth consecutive loss when they face the Maple Leafs, who are seeking a fourth straight win.

The Red Wings, meanwhile, are hoping to maintain their lead atop the Central Division but have struggled lately as injuries have mounted. Datsyuk and Franzen have missed each game during their team’s 0-2-1 skid with lower-body ailments.

Defenseman Jonathan Ericsson is expected to miss Saturday’s game with the flu, and goaltender Chris Osgood could be out until the playoffs with a nagging groin injury. Detroit is trying to avoid matching its four-game skid to start this month.

Babcock had one wish for his team following a 2-1 loss to NHL-best Vancouver on Wednesday, which hurt Detroit’s chances of finishing atop the Western Conference standings. The Red Wings still hold a five-point lead over Nashville in its division and is eight ahead of eighth-place Anaheim.

Todd Bertuzzi, who missed his first game in two seasons Wednesday, could return from a back injury. If he dresses, he’ll try to help the Red Wings (43-22-9) snap a three-game skid to the Maple Leafs.