Make sure to tune in to tonight’s Chicago Blackhawks-Detroit Red Wings game because it will be one of two chances this season to watch a great rivalry.

As much as we like realignment, the one drawback is that these Original Six teams are in different conferences now. They won’t face each other in the playoffs unless it’s the Stanley Cup Final.

What makes this a must-see game:

History

They have faced each other 725 times, the most for either team. The Red Wings have a decided edge in the series, 363-265-97, including 216-106-39 at home.

But the Blackhawks won all four games last season and have won nine of 16 playoff series.

Playoff rematch

The teams’ second-round matchup was last spring’s best playoff series. The Red Wings took a 3-1 series lead, but the Blackhawks rallied to win.

With their backs against the wall in Game 6, the Blackhawks scored three third-period goals to tie the series. Game 7 went to overtime and Brent Seabrook scored as the Blackhawks survived their toughest test to point that season.

Olympic preview

Each team will be sending 10 players to Sochi, tied for most in the league with the St. Louis Blues.

Four of the Red Wings Olympians – Jimmy Howard, Pavel Datsyuk, Daniel Alfredsson and Johan Franzen – are injured and won’t suit up Wednesday, but Detroit will have four Swedes and two Slovaks in action, plus Team Canada coach Mike Babcock.

The Blackhawks have one American, three Canadians, three Swedes, two Slovaks and one Czech player.

Top players

Chicago’s Duncan Keith is a leading candidate to win the Norris Trophy, but Detroit’s Niklas Kronwall is getting some notice, too. Both team’s captains – Chicago’s Jonathan Toews and Detroit’s Henrik Zetterberg – are highly respected.

Blackhawks are rolling, Red Wings are desperate

The Blackhawks are coming off major wins against the Anaheim Ducks and the Stanley Cup finalist Boston Bruins.

The Red Wings, who have been beset by injuries all season, are sitting out of a playoff spot and their 22-season posteason streak could be in jeopardy. They need to get healthy and need to start playing better at home.

Mike Babcock on #RedWings rivalry with #Blackhawks: “I don’t think we’re holding up our end of the bargain.” — Helene St. James (@HeleneStJames) January 22, 2014

Your games tonight

Carolina at Philadelphia, 6

Montreal at Pittsburgh, 7

Chicago at Detroit, 8

Phoenix at Calgary, 9:30

Follow the rest of USA TODAY Sports’ in-depth NHL coverage at nhl.usatoday.com.