The Atlantic Division-leading Detroit Red Wings, with a record of 4-1, are set to face the Edmonton Oilers today at Little Caesars Arena, with the puck dropping at 3 p.m. The game will be broadcasted on FanDuel Sports Network and 97.1 FM.
The Red Wings are aiming to build on their recent success after a thrilling overtime victory against the Tampa Bay Lightning, where goaltender John Gibson impressively recorded 32 saves. Gibson’s strong performance has been a key factor in Detroit’s early-season success.
However, the Red Wings have faced challenges recently, particularly with their power play, failing to score in their last two games while Lucas Raymond has been sidelined. The team has gone 0-for-4 on power plays during this stretch, dropping them out of the top ten in the league for power play efficiency.
In roster news, Detroit will be without forward Patrick Kane due to an upper-body injury sustained in the previous game against Tampa Bay. The status of Lucas Raymond remains uncertain, as his return to the lineup will depend on how he feels before game time. If Raymond returns, he is expected to reunite with captain Dylan Larkin on the top line, while Mason Appleton may step in for Kane on the second line.
Captain Larkin continues to make history; his recent overtime goal marked the 10th of his career, allowing him to surpass Red Wings legends Steve Yzerman and Brendan Shanahan for second place in franchise history, trailing only Sergei Fedorov. Larkin’s offensive prowess has been on display, as he also contributed an assist, marking his second consecutive game with multiple points. Young defenseman Axel Sandin-Pellikka made headlines by becoming the third-youngest Red Wings defenseman to score his first NHL goal in over three decades.
On the other side, the Oilers are looking to rebound after a disappointing 5-2 loss to the New Jersey Devils last night. Edmonton is currently averaging only 2.6 goals per game, ranking them 27th in the NHL. Key players for Edmonton include Connor McDavid, who has been held to just seven points in five games, and potential returns from injuries for defenseman Jake Walman and forward Mattias Janmark.
As both teams vie for crucial points in the early stages of the season, fans can expect an action-packed afternoon of hockey at Little Caesars Arena.