Detroit faces a rested Wild, but the Red Wings boast superior recent momentum. Key player matchups and crucial depth scoring will decide this showdown.
Detroit enters this matchup riding strong momentum after a thrilling 2–1 overtime win against Toronto that completed a series sweep over a heated rival. While the victory was a major boost, the Red Wings now face a tougher challenge on the second night of a road back-to-back against the Minnesota Wild.
Minnesota sits among the top teams in the Western Conference and has been surging since acquiring star defenseman Quinn Hughes, posting one of the league’s best records over the past 20 games, although Detroit has been even hotter in that stretch.
The back-to-back road scenario puts Detroit at a disadvantage, especially with Minnesota rested at home, but the game still shapes up to be competitive. Cam Talbot gets the start in goal against his former team, while Detroit will need contributions beyond its top stars after a low-scoring effort against Toronto.
Depth scoring and a strong defensive performance will be crucial, particularly with Minnesota’s offensive threats like Kirill Kaprizov, Quinn Hughes, and a resurgent Vladimir Tarasenko all posing significant challenges.
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Detroit Red Wings’ Expected Line Combinations vs Minnesota (Thursday):#
Kasper – Larkin – Raymond
DeBrincat – Copp – Kane
Finnie – Compher – van Riemsdyk
Soderblom – Rasmussen – Appleton
Edvinsson – Seider
Chiarot – Sandin-Pellikka
Johansson – Benard-Docker
Talbot
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