Detroit, MI—Tonight, the Red Wings (0-1-0) will look to bounce back from a humbling season-opening loss two nights ago at the hands of the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Nashville Predators (0-1-0) are in town, looking to avenge their defeat Thursday (4-3, to the Dallas Stars).
© Brian Bradshaw Sevald-Imagn Images
While these two foes are no longer division rivals, last year’s two games between Nashville and Detroit brought two unlikely scraps. When the Preds visit Little Caesars Arena in December, Alex DeBrincat dropped the gloves with Nashville captain and star Roman Josi. Meanwhile, the Red Wings’ return trip to the Music City in March saw Moritz Seider pick up his first career fighting major in a scrap with Filip Forsberg.
Despite that somewhat unlikely violent history, physicality is not exactly the Predators’ calling card under coach Andrew Brunette. “They’re north, they’re fast, they have an ability to spread the puck out with speed through the puck,” said Lalonde of Brunette’s team. “They play long, and I think they rely on one of the best goaltenders in the world [Juuse Saros]. I wouldn’t say they take it for granted, but I think they know that puck’s not going in. It might be coming out [with Saros’ aptitude for puck-handling], and it might even fuel their north play.
For the Red Wings, the priority entering the evening is to finish what they started and lost Thursday against the Penguins. “The whole first period was exactly what we wanted, obviously besides getting scored on,” said Michael Rasmussen of that defeat. “There wasn’t anything in particular. I think we just got deflated a couple of breakdowns and didn’t respond properly.” To correct, per Rasmussen, the solution is simple: “Play a full 60 minutes and don’t beat ourselves. I think if we do those things, we’ll be good.”
Lineups: Johansson Set for Debut
On Wednesday, Albert Johansson was focused on staying patient, trusting that his time would come. “I’m here right now, and I’m working every day, trying to be in the top six and play games, but I know all defensemen are good in here,” he told The Hockey News. It’s gonna be a challenge every day, but [I’m focused on] coming in here, working hard during practice, trying to get better every day, trying to get into the top six.”
Four days later, his family is on its way to Detroit from Sweden, and he is getting ready to make his NHL debut tonight. “It’s gonna be a dream-come-true moment,” Johansson said this morning. “I just want to play a simple game, move [the puck], and be solid defensively. That’s the biggest key for me, so just trying to keep it simple.”
Jeff Petry was injured in Thursday’s season’s opener against the Penguins, and Erik Gustafsson will be a healthy scratch after his performance in that game. In their stead, Detroit called up Justin Holl from Grand Rapids to add an extra right shot to the blue line, and Johansson will get his first NHL action. With Gustafsson and Petry out, Lalonde noted that Moritz Seider will quarterback the top power play unit and Ben Chiarot will handle the second one. Cam Talbot will get the start in goal.
Up front, Detroit lined up as follows at morning skate:
Alex DeBrincat-Dylan Larkin-Patrick Kane
Lucas Raymond-J.T. Compher-Vladimir Tarasenko
Michael Rasmussen-Andrew Copp-Christian Fischer
Jonatan Berggren-Joe Veleno-Tyler Motte
Meanwhile, Nashville lined up as follows at their morning skate:
Where to Watch
Tonight’s game, a 7 pm start, will be broadcast on its familiar home of Bally Sports Detroit. That means for local fans, it will air on television on BSD or via streaming on the Bally Sports Plus app. Out of market fans can take in the action on ESPN+. It will also air on radio on 97.1 The Ticket.
Also from THN Detroit
How Taking DeBrincat Off The Flank Maximizes Detroit’s Power Play
In Loss to Penguins, Red Wings’ Hottest Hands In Goal Go Cold
“Some Good, But a Lot of Bad” as Red Wings Drop Season Opener 6-3
“We Have a Positive Problem”: Why The Red Wings Are Using Three Goalies This Season
Red Wings Second Round Pick Injured in Exhibition, Out 4-6 Weeks
“We Expect a Lot Out of Them, and They’ve Always Answered”: Seider and Raymond Minted as Leaders in Detroit’s Fight for the Playoffs
