Asked to recall the last clash with the Detroit Red Wings, a somewhat flustered Alain Vigneault couldn't remember the score or any game elements Wednesday. That's what happens when you're in the NHL crosshairs and subjected to an endless slate of statement games, like the storied Wings have been for decades. Call it short-term memory loss.

When Vigneault cranks up the video player and hits the rewind button, the Vancouver Canucks coach will be reminded why the Red Wings have won eight of their last nine games, are 13-4-0 since Christmas and sit atop league standings. They not only pressured the Canucks before bowing 4-2 on Dec. 21 at Rogers Arena, they proved much more than just the premier puck-possession team. Niklas Kronwall delivered a devastating sideboards check on Ryan Kesler and an incensed Jimmy Howard collared Jannik Hansen after the winger collided with the stopper and Alex Edler easily deposited the rebound. Tomas Holmstrom and Johan Franzen perched themselves on Roberto Luongo's porch with a strong physical presence that often gets lost in the playmaking and icing eight players who have hit double-digits in goals.

"I'd like to take a page out of Detroit's book," said Vigneault. "I feel they're the best team in the league as far as net presence and always having somebody there — somebody square to the puck and making it hard on the goaltender. We need to screen the goalie more than looking to tip pucks. And they have so many big bodies who like to do that and go in those tough areas. They're one of the most physical teams in the league."

It's not that Vigneault needed a long-term refresher course on the Wings. Their game is well-documented and it's the dedication to the diligence that few teams can match over the course of a long season. And as much as Kesler took issue with the Kronwall hit and challenged the defenceman to a fight in the last tussle, the Livonia, Mich. native always circles games against the Wings.

"It's not just that I'm from there," said Kesler. "They're such a good team that you want to prove yourself against those guys and it makes it extra special and some bragging rights for the summer. I still get a charge out of it. It's always fun playing them because we kind of play the same way. But we're going to have to play them hard and fast because it's going to be a puck-possession game and we've just got to be smart about it."

Especially when Kronwall adds an extra dimension with highlight-reel hits.

"You've got to keep your head up when he's on the ice," added Kesler.

Kronwall thought that Kesler had the puck and control of it when he unleashed his hit. And although the Swedish blueliner was adamant that he didn't leave his feet, the replay showed just that. Regardless, playing on the edge is what makes Kronwall effective and the opposition nervous.

"Any team that goes all the way has to play physical and wear the other team out," he said. "You can't skill around any team and it comes down to hard work and playing physical. We've shown that we have that edge."

Henrik Sedin admires much about the Wings. They play the game the way it was meant to be played with speed, finesse and just enough edge to win puck battles and cause matchup problems. The Canucks captain also knows that Kronwall brings an element that most teams covet because he not only grew up with the blueliner, he played on junior and the Swedish national team with the defensive stalwart. Kronwall also has 11 goals.

"I told the guys in here that he was going to be a top D-man in the league for a long time," said the Canucks centre. He's effective because he can hit, make plays and put up points. I think he plays a fair game. He makes big hits but he's not a guy who's going to come out and make cheap shots or anything like that."

Despite a 7-2-2 record in January, the shot the Canucks are absorbing is that there were too many gaps in their game and disturbing losses to Florida and Anaheim. They have slipped to seventh in goals allowed and constantly turned over pucks Tuesday in a 3-2 overtime win over Chicago. Doing the same Thursday against the Wings will be costly.

"They like to hold on to the puck and they'll bring it back once or twice and then give it to the forwards," added the captain. "You've got to be tight and you can't lose patience otherwise they're going to beat you. And they're going to play you hard or beat you with skill and those are fun games to be a part of."

Add it all up and it sounds like another statement game for the Canucks. They made a statement in Boston and another one on Tuesday.

"We're past the point of statement games," said Canucks goaltender Roberto Luongo who gets the call against the Wings. "We know what we're capable of. But it is a huge game. There's always a playoff atmosphere and I don't expect anything different. They have world-class players, they know what it takes to win and they're very disciplined. If we want to have a chance we can't give those guys any free passes."

The biggest statement the Canucks have made is not being satisfied with their overall game and that January record. The first line has been held to just three goals the past five games and must read defences better to make the right play entering the zone — whether it be puck possession or chipping it in and retrieving it. Those are fixable problems but still bothersome.

"It shows more about the expectations we have around this team," summed up Henrik. "If this had been seven or eight years ago we would have planned a Stanley Cup parade. We get a lot of pressure from the outside and we're a team that sticks together and we really don't worry about that. To be 7-2-2 with the travel, we do have a good team. There are times when we're not playing up to our standards but that's going to happen."

It can't happen Thursday.

bkuzma@theprovince.com

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