Friday picks: Wings get better of Babcock again

Detroit Red Wings at Toronto Maple Leafs, 7 p.m. ET

After blanking the Toronto Maple Leafs in their first game of the season, 4-0, the Detroit Red Wings have been riding a bit of a roller coaster. They started the year 3-0-0 before losing six of their next seven and are now back to their winning ways with back-to-back victories. They’ll have a good shot at making it a third straight W Friday against last-place Toronto.

If the Red Wings are going to get past the Maple Leafs again, they’re going to have to deal with some injuries to their blue line. Kyle Quincey is unlikely to be available, while Mike Green is questionable to play Friday as he recovers from a shoulder injury. The team is also still waiting on Pavel Datsyuk’s return, which could come in the next week or two.

Toronto, meanwhile, has been a work in progress under new head coach Mike Babcock, which is putting it mildly. Unable to score with any amount of consistency and never knowing what they’re going to get out of their goaltender night in and night out, it’s not been an easy road to a 2-8-2 record and last place in the NHL. There have been a few bright spots – Morgan Rielly, most notably – but right now the Leafs simply haven’t been good enough.

The Red Wings should have enough weapons up front to put pressure on Toronto throughout Friday night’s contest. They’ll also test James Reimer, who is expected to make his third consecutive start with Jonathan Bernier currently sidelined.

Detroit’s scoring has had its own ups and downs just like everything else under new head coach Jeff Blashill. Henrik Zetterberg has been a bright spot with 14 points in 12 games, as has rookie Dylan Larkin who continues to impress with four goals and five assists through his first 12 NHL games. Detroit’s top six should figure prominently in this game. Pick: Red Wings 3, Maple Leafs 1

Mike Babcock gets another crack at his former team after a 4-0 loss in Detroit. (USATSI)

The rest of Friday night’s picks

Chicago Blackhawks 3, New Jersey Devils 1

Dallas Stars 5, Carolina Hurricanes 3

New York Rangers 4, Colorado Avalanche 2

Pittsburgh Penguins 4, Edmonton Oilers 1

Anaheim Ducks 3, Columbus Blue Jackets 2

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