Everything you need to know as the Red Wings seek their first win of the Todd McLellan era tonight against the Washington Capitals
Everything you need to know as the Red Wings seek their first win of the Todd McLellan era tonight against the Washington Capitals
Tonight, the Detroit Red Wings (13–18–4, seventh in the Atlantic Division) will look to claim their first victory of Todd McLellan's nascent tenure as head coach, hosting the Washington Capitals (24–9–2, second in the Metropolitan Division) at Little Caesars Arena.
The Capitals enter tonight's game having won 5–2 last night in Toronto over the same Maple Leafs team that knocked off Detroit Friday (by the same scoreline) in McLellan's debut behind the Red Wing bench. Unlike before that game against the Leafs, the Red Wings have a practice under their belt before this evening's game, during which McLellan emphasized two phases of play in particular: defensive zone sorts and the penalty kill.
Washington promises to test both of those area. Under coach Spencer Carbery, the Capitals have emerged as a tight defensive outfit that thrives on counterattacks in transition. Meanwhile, Alex Ovechkin returned from his broken leg last night against the Leafs, picking up his 869th career goal. His presence alone makes the Caps power play a formidable one for the struggling Detroit PK to contend with.
Lineup
At yesterday's practice, there was one major shakeup to the Red Wing forward corps: Joe Veleno's presence on the top line alongside Dylan Larkin and Lucas Raymond. Veleno featured in that role during the third period of Friday's game and earned plaudits from McLellan for the way he played there.
Detroit rotated its defensemen liberally during Saturday's practice, but if the end of Friday's game is an indicator, Moritz Seider and Simon Edvinsson will skate on different pairs this evening. Finally, per McLellan, Alex Lyon will get the nod in net.
Where to Watch
Tonight's game is scheduled for a 5 pm puck drop. It will air on FanDuel Sports Network Detroit for in-market fans and streamable on ESPN+ for out-of-market ones. 97.1 The Ticket will handle the radio broadcast as usual.
Also from THN Detroit
McLellan Makes Voice Heard at First Red Wings Practice
For McLellan, Loss to Maple Leafs Serves as Diagnostic
Familiar Result but New Road Map as Red Wings Fall in McLellan's Debut
Stockton: Lalonde Ouster Shifts Focus to Yzerman as McLellan Era Dawns
Special Red Wings Defense Prospect Hits Milestone
Breaking: Red Wings Fire Lalonde, McLellan Named Replacement