Detroit @ Carolina preview

Last Meeting ( Nov 10, 2018 ) Detroit 4, Carolina 3

The Detroit Red Wings appear to be limping toward the Christmas break with an inconsistent offense contributing to losses in four straight (0-3-1) and five of their last six games. The Red Wings vie to alter their fortunes on Thursday against a familiar face in former goaltender Petr Mrazek and the Carolina Hurricanes at PNC Arena.

Dylan Larkin hasn't struggled on the offensive end, extending his point streak to eight games (four goals, seven assists) by notching an assist in Tuesday's 3-2 setback to Philadelphia. The 22-year-old Michigan native gave his teammates a brief scare with a premature exit in Wednesday practice, but coach Jeff Blashill told reporters that "he came back out, so I'm assuming it's a bump or a bruise." Carolina had dropped six of seven before Mrazek recorded his 15th career shutout and first with Carolina on Sunday after turning aside all 23 shots he faced in a 3-0 victory versus Arizona. "The key was playing good in the defensive zone, good penalty kill," the 26-year-old Czech said. "I did see the puck really well, that was the key."

TV: 7 p.m. ET, FS Detroit, FS Carolinas

ABOUT THE RED WINGS (14-16-5): Jimmy Howard said he felt considerably better on Wednesday, one day after his back seized up during his pregame routine at Wells Fargo Center. "I was able to skate before the guys got out there. I didn't have any issues. ... It's nothing long term. It happens from time to time," the 34-year-old said. Howard will serve as the backup on Thursday to Jonathan Bernier, who made a career-high 49 saves and stopped all three shots he faced in the shootout of a 4-3 win at Carolina on Nov. 10.

ABOUT THE HURRICANES (14-13-5): Sebastian Aho extended his point streak to five games (five goals, three assists) with his team-best 12th goal on Sunday. The 21-year-old Finn boosted his club-high assist total of 22 with three in the season series against Detroit. Fellow countryman Teuvo Teravainen has two assists versus the Red Wings and seven points (one goal, six assists) in his last five outings overall.

OVERTIME

1. Carolina LW Micheal Ferland has scored a goal in each of the two games versus Detroit this season.

2. Red Wings speedy C Andreas Athanasiou, who has a team second-best 11 goals, has not scored in his last 10 contests.

3. Hurricanes captain Justin Williams has three goals and two assists on a five-game point streak.

PREDICTION: Hurricanes 3, Red Wings 2