Detroit targets a fourth straight win over Winnipeg as both sides navigate trade-related absences and hunt for their first goals of the new campaign.
On Sunday, the Detroit Red Wings return to the ice Sunday for the second game of their 82-game schedule, hoping to shake off a season opener that was memorable for all the wrong reasons.
Their opponent is the Winnipeg Jets, a Western Conference team the Red Wings don't see often, and one that is also looking to rebound from an 0-1 start. Though the two clubs rarely meet, the matchup has been kind to Detroit, winning their last three straight against Winnipeg dating back to January 2025.
Detroit's defensive effort in the season opener was a bright spot, as the team held a surprisingly fast-starting Rangers squad to just two goals. The offense, however, failed to find the net in the home opener, and Hockeytown is still waiting to see its first goal of the 2026-27 season.
Bookmark The Hockey News Detroit Red Wings team site to stay connected to the latest news, game-day coverage, and player features.
The Jets have been known for their defensive prowess in recent years, but the Red Wings have managed to solve them, outscoring the 2025 President's trophy winners nine to four in their three consecutive wins.
Both teams will be missing key names on Sunday as Detroit remains without Dylan Larkin and Simon Edvinsson while Winnipeg will be without star goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, who, like Larkin, requested a trade. Rather than suiting up, Hellebuyck is sitting out while the situation is resolved, leaving former Oilers netminder Stuart Skinner in net for the Jets, setting up an intriguing matchup.
Detroit Red Wings’ Expected Line Combinations vs Winnipeg (Sunday)
DeBrincat - Copp - Raymond
Finnie - Compher - Arvidsson
Rasmussen - Kasper - Kolesar
Appleton - Danielson - Brandsegg-Nygard
Albert Johansson - Seider
Anton Johansson - Faulk
Chiarot - Sandin-Pellikka
Gibson
Tarasov
Never miss a story by adding us to your Google News favorites!
For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free. Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com or creating your own post in our community forum.
