An important matchup with playoff implications and one of the best players of all time is set for Tuesday night in the U.S.

Michael Rasmussen got the Wings within a goal early in the third, but that was it in a 4-2 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes.

With a hectic schedule and a growing losing streak that's eroded the vitality that energized the Detroit Red Wings from Christmas through February, there was a sudden change to plans Tuesday.