The Jackets will also be without Pascal Leclaire who is still suffering the effects

The Jackets will also be without Pascal Leclaire, who is still suffering the effects of the concussion a teammate gave him prior to the game on Sunday. Defenseman Kris Russell (groin) could return tonight, apparently. David Vyborny (sprained knee) may participate in the morning skate, but it doesn't sound like he'll play. Lines from practice yesterday (via Puck-Rakers): Nash -- Malhotra -- Modin Chimera -- Peca -- Brule Murray -- Novotny -- Zherdev Picard -- MacKenzie -- Lindstrom With Leclaire still out, Fredrik Norrena will get the start. For the Jackets' perspective, see John Arvai at Bleacher Report (Light the Lamp) Better on Ice, The Jacket Times,Army of the Ohio, End of the Bench, Neutral Zone Trap, and Bethany’s Hockey Rants.

The Wings improved to 7-2-0 in March with their 6-3 win over Nashville on Thursday. It was a slightly more competitive game than the score indicates, with the Wings blowing a lead in the third period only to pull away again in the end. In that sense it was a messy win, but probably a confidence building one, as they were able to overcome the Preds' third period push. With San Jose's 2-1 win over Anaheim last night, the Wings' seven-point lead decreased to five with seven games remaining for both teams. The Wings could see the return of Kris Draper (groin tear) tonight.

He centered the third line this morning, according to Bruce MacLeod. Dan Cleary will not return today after all, having decided to wait until he has the wires removed from his jaw. He could return as soon as Tuesday, but no later than Friday Valtteri Filppula (knee, groin) is out until Friday. It's looking like Darren McCarty (ribs) could play Friday as well.

According to Ken Holland, Tomas Holmstrom (abdomen) is getting closer and could be back soon, but not today. Projected lines (via MacLeod) Datsyuk-Zetterberg-Samuelsson Hudler-Franzen-Kopecky Hartigan-Draper-Maltby Meech-Helm-Downey MacLeod reports that Dallas Drake did not take part in the morning skate, which could indicate an injury. However, if Drake was just given the practice off and is able to play, Derek Meech is the likely scratch. Projected pairings: Lidstrom-Rafalski Kronwall-Lilja Lebda-Chelios Dominik Hasek will be the starter. For more of the Wings' perspective, seeSnapshots, Abel to Yzerman, HockeyTownTodd, Behind the Jersey, No Pun Intended, Red Wings Nation, yzerman is god, Detroit Hockey, LetsGoWings, Red Wings Brasil, BR Red Wings, and Winging It In Motown. OklahomaWingNut's GDT is here.This is another key game for the Wings, who need to keep winning in order to hold off the red-hot San Jose Sharks. At this point in the season, losing first place overall would be a morale killer, especially given the fact that they'd have to lose to Central Division teams to do it.