Playoff positioning hangs in the balance as Red Wings clash with Canadiens. Key scorers DeBrincat and Suzuki lead the charge in this crucial showdown.
After a decisive 5-2 win over the Calgary Flames on Monday, the Detroit Red Wings return from a brief break to begin a critical stretch of four straight divisional games, starting Thursday against the Montreal Canadiens. The matchup marks the third and final meeting of the season series, with each team earning a win so far and the road team taking both contests.
The stakes are high as the playoff race tightens. Detroit currently holds the second wild card spot, tied with the Boston Bruins at 82 points, with a head to head matchup looming Saturday.
Montreal sits two points ahead in the Atlantic Division standings, meaning a Red Wings win on Thursday could push them into a top three divisional position. With every game carrying major implications, Detroit enters this stretch needing consistent results after losing six of eight prior to Monday’s victory, while Montreal has won four of its last six.
Key contributors are expected to lead the way in what shapes up as a must win contest for both sides. Alex DeBrincat has paced Detroit with 12 points over his last nine games, while Montreal captain Nick Suzuki has been equally productive with 15 points in his last nine. With playoff positioning on the line, Thursday’s clash promises to be one of the most important games of the season for both teams.
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Detroit Red Wings’ Expected Line Combinations vs Montreal (Thursday)
DeBrincat – Compher – Kane
Perron – Finnie – Raymond
Kasper – Copp – Appleton
van Riemsdyk – Dries – Shine
Edvinsson – Seider
Chiarot – Faulk
Johansson - Benard-Docker
Gibson
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