Line Combinations: Red Wings at Panthers

On Thursday, the Detroit Red Wings will look to put an end to their four-game losing streak as they continue their four-game road trip with the third stop coming against the Florida Panthers. 

Detroit will wrap up the trip with its final two games in the Sunshine State, beginning with a matchup against the defending Florida squad. It's been a difficult stretch for the Red Wings, who have dropped five of their last six games, with their offensive struggles being a major concern. 

Detroit currently ranks among the bottom six teams in the NHL offensively, averaging just 2.58 goals per game. Fortunately, the defense has done a respectable job keeping opponents in check, allowing 3.00 goals per game, tied with the Ottawa Senators for the 12th-best mark in the league. If Detroit can continue to lean on its defensive play and turn this into a low-scoring affair, they will have a real opportunity to get back in the win column.

The timing of this matchup could also work in Detroit's favor as Florida has lost three of their last five contests and could be dealing with some lingering fatigue following a demanding road stretch. The Panthers played three games in four days, all away from home, with their most recent outing coming Tuesday. 

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Although Wednesday provided an opportunity to rest and recover, the Red Wings will be hoping Florida hasn't fully shaken off the effects of its busy schedule. The Panthers have been solid on home ice this season, posting a 4-2-0 record, while Detroit has struggled to find consistency on the road with a 3-4-2 mark. 

Recent head-to-head history also favors Florida, as the Red Wings have lost four of their last six meetings. However, Detroit can take some confidence from the most recent matchup between these clubs. Earlier this month, on November 2nd, the Red Wings traveled to Florida and came away with an impressive 5-3 victory. They'll be looking to build on that performance and find a way to repeat the result on Thursday.

*subject to change*

DeBrincant - Finnie - Arvidsson

Brandsegg-Nygard - Copp - Raymond

Mazur - Kasper - Kolesar

Compher - Appleton

Chiarot - Seider

Wallinder - Faulk

Englund - An. Johansson

Gibson

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