Red Wings vs. Blues preview: Both teams look to end 2-game losing streaks

The St. Louis Blues (6-3-0) will host the Detroit Red Wings (4-4-1) at Scottrade Center on Thursday night.

It will be the third of five meetings between the Central Division rivals this season.

Both clubs will be entering Thursday's game on two-game losing streaks. With both clubs having played nine games to this point, the Blues have a three-point lead over the Wings in the Central Division. St. Louis trails the Chicago Blackhawks by six points for the top-spot in the grouping.

Detroit has struggled on the road this season, collecting a 1-2-1 record away from Joe Louis Arena. The club's lone road win came in a shootout against the Columbus Blue Jackets in the second game of the season.

St. Louis boasts a 3-1-0 record at home and suffered its first loss at Scottrade Center on Tuesday night against the Nashville Predators. The final score was a disappointing 6-1 result.

In the two previous meetings between these teams, the winning club has scored at least five goals. On opening night, the Blues shut out the Red Wings 6-0. In their most recent meeting last Friday, the Red Wings beat the Blues 5-3.

Detroit will be starting rookie goaltender Petr Mrazek, who will be making his NHL debut.

At the other end of the spectrum, Wade Redden will be playing in his 1,000th career NHL game. This is a wonderful accomplishment for any player but especially for Redden given the tumultuous detour his career took while under contract with the New York Rangers.

Thursday's game is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m., ET and will be televised on Fox Sports Detroit and Fox Sports Midwest.

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