The Western Conference Playoffs Game 5 between the Detroit Red Wings and Anaheim Ducks takes place tonight out West. The game is scheduled for a 10:00 p.m. start time and it will be televised nationally on the NBC Sports Network. Currently the odds for the game have the Ducks as a home favorite to take a series lead.

Detroit got a huge boost when Damien Brunner's overtime goal lifted the Red Wings to a win in Game 2 of this series the other night. The Red Wings have been peppering Anaheim goalie Jonas Hiller all series and finally broke through for their third goal on Monday night. Now the question is whether or not they can take advantage of a situation on the road.

Anaheim and Detroit each won a road game in the first four matchups of this series, meaning home ice is pretty much still in order for the Ducks. They're looking to go up 3-2 in the series with a win at home tonight.

Detroit goalie Jimmy Howard has played well in spots this post season, but needs to keep the Ducks off the board as long as possible tonight. In the four games this post season, Howard has given up 12 goals on 120 shots. That has to get better. Detroit again will be without Justin Abdelkader, who is serving his second suspended game for a hit on Anaheim's Toni Lydman.

The Ducks were a great team at home this season, going 16-7-1, but Detroit has been able to win three of their four games this season. There is confidence there for the Red Wings, having already won at the Honda Center this post season.

Look for Detroit to continue to put pressure on Hiller in net and get an early goal. If they're able to take an early lead in this one, they'll buckle down defensively and keep Anaheim off balanced. We like the Red Wings in a plus-money situation.

Free Pick: Detroit

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