Justin-Abdelkader-3-7-14

The Red Wing and Justin Abdelkader look to snap a three-game skid against Cory Schneider and the Devils.

(The Associated Press)

DETROIT - The Detroit Red Wings need to start on time, manage the puck better and make smoother line changes tonight when they seek to snap a three-game winless streak (0-1-2) against the New Jersey Devils at Joe Louis Arena (7:30, Fox Sports Detroit).

"I've seen a few slow moments over the last two games," coach Mike Babcock said. "We turned the puck over seven times in the first 10 minutes the other night (4-3 overtime loss at Rangers) and it was way too many in Ottawa (3-1 loss Tuesday) I couldn't count. You're going to have some games like that. You can't start behind the eight-ball."

The Red Wings (6-3-4) have not had good starts the past three games.

"Resiliency is a great thing, but what that really means is you have the ability," Babcock said. "If you can be resilient you can start on time. Let's get ready, take care of the puck and play the right way.

"We gave away two goals in New York on line changes. I thought no one else in the world could do that, but I watched New Jersey do it last night (in a 4-3 loss at St. Louis). We have to do a better job on line changes and we have to take care of the puck way better."

New Jersey (6-5-2) ranks last in the NHL on the penalty kill (36-of-54, 66.7 percent). The Red Wings' power play has shown signs of improvement, going 5 for 21 in the past five games.

Cory Schneider (6-4-2, 2.75 GAA, .910 save percentage) is expected to start in goal for the Devils.

The Red Wings are 8-2-1 in their past 11 games against New Jersey. It's the start of a four-game homestand for Detroit.

"Every night there should be urgency. I don't know if losing should create more," Babcock said. "On the road we gave up too many chances. We have to limit the chances against and be better offensively. If you're not getting points and everyone else is then you're behind."

Here are tonight's lines and defense pairs for the Red Wings:

Gustav Nyquist-Henrik Zetterberg-Johan Franzen

Tomas Tatar-Pavel Datsyuk-Justin Abdelkader

Andrej Nestrasil-Riley Sheahan-Darren Helm

Drew Miller-Luke Glendening-Daniel Cleary

Joakim Andersson and Tomas Jurco will be scratched for the second game in a row.

Stephen Weiss (groin) has resumed skating but is expected to be out at least another week.

On defense:

Jonathan Ericsson-Niklas Kronwall

Danny DeKesyer-Brendan Smith

Brian Lashoff-Jakub Kindl

Kyle Quincey (ankle) might be ready for Sunday's game.

In goal:

Jimmy Howard (starting)

Petr Mrazek

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