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Red Wings go for first win in St. Louis this season

Dec 26, 2007 - 2:19 PM Detroit (26-7-3) at St Louis (18-12-3) 8:30 pm EST

ST. LOUIS (Ticker) - The Detroit Red Wings have not struggled very many places this season, but they are yet to pick up a win at the Scottrade Center.

With the year coming to a close, Pavel Datsyuk will try to lead the Red Wings to their first win in St. Louis in 2007 when they visit the Blues on Wednesday night.

Detroit, which owns the league's best record, has failed to beat St. Louis at the Scottrade Center in two attempts this season and has not beaten its Central Division rival on the road since December 5, 2006.

Even without two of their top scorers, Datsyuk scored a goal as the Red Wings completely dominated the Minnesota Wild in a 4-2 triumph Saturday. Detroit outshot Minnesota, 51-19, in that contest.

Both Henrik Zetterberg and Tomas Holmstrom sat out Saturday's contest. Zetterberg, who missed the game with back spasms, hopes to be back in the lineup Wednesday. He has a team-leading 25 tallies and 50 points this season.

The Blues, who are second in the division - 15 points behind the Red Wings, have been led by their top line. After a short stay with the Atlanta Thrashers at the end of last season, Keith Tkachuk has adjusted to center, notching eight goals and 27 points.

However, its been the play of his wingers that has really helped St. Louis emerge as a force. Brad Boyes leads the club with 21 goals, while free-agent acquisition Paul Kariya has a team-high 23 assists and 31 points.