DETROIT -- Defensemen are jumping up into the play more than ever for the Detroit Red Wings, firing pucks and scoring goals at a higher rate than any team in the NHL.

Of Detroit’s 69 goals, 20 have come from the defense. That leads the league -- four more than Vancouver’s blue line and more than twice as many as most other clubs.

Nicklas Lidstrom and Niklas Kronwall lead the way with six goals each, followed by Ian White (four), Brad Stuart (three) and Jonathan Ericsson, who scored his first goal of the season in Wednesday’s 4-2 victory against the Tampa Bay Lightning, Detroit’s season-high sixth in a row.

The Red Wings are on pace to eclipse last season’s goal total by the defense (41).

"We’re doing a good job of picking our moments," goaltender Jimmy Howard said. "I think a lot of that comes from keeping a third man high. It’s allowing our D to be a little bit more active on the point. When the D are active like that, it makes it a lot harder (for opponents) to play defense."

The Red Wings begin a three-game road trip tonight at Buffalo. If Howard plays, it will be his 17th consecutive start.

Goal scoring was an issue for the Red Wings during a six-game winless streak (0-5-1) from Oct. 22-Nov. 3, when they scored only six goals. It’s not a concern right now, however, as Detroit ranks ninth in the league in goals-per-game (2.96).

The defense is doing its part.

"The D are shooting the puck and we’re having traffic in front of the net," Lidstrom said. "Just getting the shots through has been key for us. We’re getting them on net for tips and rebounds and getting rewarded for that."

Kronwall credited forwards who are providing a net-front presence.

"That’s where it all starts," Kronwall said. "Our forwards are doing a great job of holding onto the puck and being strong on the puck down low. Anytime they do that, they’ll create some more open space and more room for us to jump in."

Stuart, a stay-at-home defender not relied on for offense, said, "The forwards have been doing a great job of creating screens in front and making it hard for goalies. That’s the most important thing because you’re not going to score a lot of goals from the blue line when the goalie has a clear view of it."

Coach Mike Babcock said the harder the forwards play, the less they turn the puck over, the more active the defense will be.

"Obviously, it’s important," Babcock said. "We think those guys got that skill set."