VANCOUVER, British Columbia – Todd Bertuzzi is back on the Detroit Red Wings’ top line, with Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg, just in time to face what is perhaps the most potent line in the NHL tonight.

How challenging will it be to defend the Vancouver Canucks’ top line of Henrik and Daniel Sedin, along with Ryan Kesler?

“I believe we have two of the best players in the world on our team, so I’m looking at it the other way around, what they’re going to do to cover those two,’’ Bertuzzi said. “My job is basically to get in there, cause some trouble down low, hold onto the puck, get the puck to them, get to the net and hopefully get a couple of bounces.’’

The Red Wings (6-4-2) look to end a four-game winless skid (0-2-2) against the Canucks (9-4-1), who are riding a four-game winning streak. The game starts at 10:30 p.m. on Fox Sports Detroit.



“I think the key for us is we got to get some goals and play well defensively, especially with the Sedins and Kess playing so well right now,’’ Bertuzzi said. “We got to make sure we kind of bottle them up and frustrate them a bit and spend more time in their zone.’’

Henrik Sedin leads the NHL with 14 assists and is tied for second with 17 points. Daniel Sedin has 14 points and Kesler leads the team with eight goals.

But, they also have to defend Datsyuk and Zetterberg.

“They’re both very skilled, they use each other a lot, they’re great passers, so it’s going to be a challenge tonight,’’ Daniel Sedin said. “If we can keep the puck in their end and try to spend some time down there it’s going to tire them out. It’ll be a lot of fun.’’

Rookie defenseman Danny DeKeyser will be paired with Niklas Kronwall. They’ll be matched up against the Canucks’ top line whenever possible.

“I always look forward to playing against the other team’s best players because it challenges you, makes you better and it’s fun,’’ DeKeyser said.

Said coach Mike Babcock: "DeKeyser is going to have fun tonight. He’s playing against real good players.''

Here are the Red Wings’ anticipated line combination and defense pairings:

Henrik Zetterberg-Pavel Datsyuk-Todd Bertuzzi

Danny Cleary-Stehpen Weiss-Daniel Alfredsson

Tomas Tatar-Joakim Andersson-Justin Abdelkader

Drew Miller-Luke Glendening-Patrick Eaves

Scratched: Jordin Tootoo, Mikael Samuelsson, Johan Franzen (injured)

Niklas Kronwall-Danny DeKeyser

Kyle Quincey-Brendan Smith

Brian Lashoff-Jakub Kindl

Jimmy Howard (starting)

Jonas Gustavsson.