(My Sportsbook) - The Detroit Red Wings will try to begin a new winning streak today when they welcome the struggling Colorado Avalanche for a clash at Joe Louis Arena.

The Red Wings, who are first in the Central Division and second in the Western Conference with 81 points, had won six straight before losing a close game Friday night in Columbus.

Rookie Steve Mason stopped 32-of-34 shots in his return to the lineup, as the Blue Jackets hung on to beat Detroit, 3-2, at Nationwide Arena.

Nicklas Lidstrom and Mikael Samuelsson tallied for the Red Wings, who lost for the first time since January 31 in Washington. Chris Osgood stopped 22-of-25 shots in the loss.

Detroit comes into today's game with an 11-point lead over Chicago in the Central and is also just two points behind San Jose for the top seed in the conference.

The Red Wings, who have an excellent 20-4-2 record in the Motor City this year, are beginning a three-game homestand today. Detroit has won four straight and 11 of its last 12 at the Joe.

Detroit and the Avalanche have built a fierce rivalry with each other over the years, but Detroit has dominated the series recently. In addition to sweeping Colorado in last year's conference semifinals, the Red Wings have won five of eight and 12 of the last 16 regular-season meetings with Colorado.

However, the Avalanche have won both meetings with the Red Wings this season, picking up a victory at home and on the road.

Colorado has lost four straight, eight of 10 and 11 of its last 14 games overall.

The Avs' latest loss came Friday evening against the visiting Montreal Canadiens, as Jaroslav Halak recorded a season-high 46 saves to lead the Habs to a 4-2 triumph at the Pepsi Center. It was Montreal's first win in Colorado since February 6, 1982 when the Habs got a win against the Colorado Rockies franchise.

Jordan Leopold and Tyler Arnason snapped respective personal scoreless droughts, but couldn't help the Avalanche from securing last place in the Western Conference with the loss and a St. Louis win earlier Friday. Colorado has 51 points and is two behind the Blues.

Peter Budaj allowed three goals on 22 shots, while Leopold snapped a 26-game goal-less drought and Arnason a 10-game stretch.

Beginning with tonight's test, the Avalanche will play seven of their next eight games on the road. Colorado is just 9-16-1 as the guest this year and has dropped five straight road tests. The Avs will host Ottawa on Tuesday before beginning a six-game swing Friday in Washington.