DETROIT -- Justin Abdelkader (three points, plus-5 in five games) continues to solidify his spot on the Detroit Red Wings' third line with Dan Cleary (three goals, seven points in past five games) and Mike Modano (four points in past four games).

Finding a spot for Jiri Hudler (no goals, three assists, minus-6 in 11 games) remains a problem, especially since he is not a good fit on the fourth line.

"I'm looking for him to steal a top-nine (forward) job and get playing like he can. Ball's in his court," Red Wings coach Mike Babcock said. "Abby has come in and made it hard for him to grab that job because that line has suddenly got going since Abby got on it."

Coyotes' Tippett lauds Red Wings

Ten of Detroit's past 25 games, including the regular season and playoffs, have been against Phoenix.

The clubs already have met three times this season. The Red Wings won twice in overtime, including

, and the Coyotes once in regulation.

"They have a hard-working team with high skill. That's what makes them successful," Phoenix coach Dave Tippett said. "Their top players are their hardest-working guys. That makes them a very hard team to play against."

Tippett said the Red Wings have no soft-skilled players.

"Their top players are strong two-way players," Tippett said. "(Nicklas) Lidstrom is one of the best defenders in the history of the game, but yet is on the first power play. The two-way ability those players have is what makes them a very good team."