The Detroit Red Wings are set to face off against the Washington Capitals in a matinee road game on Saturday at 12:30 p.m. ET at Capital One Arena. Currently, the Red Wings sit in first place in the Atlantic Division, while the Capitals are positioned second in the Metropolitan Division. This matchup is significant as both teams are looking to solidify their standings.
The Red Wings are riding the momentum of a strong power play performance, having converted 33.3% of their opportunities (8-for-24) since December 2 against Boston. However, there are concerns regarding Elmer Soderblom’s inconsistent performance, as he has managed only one goal in 22 games. Coach Todd McLellan acknowledged that Soderblom’s previous injury hindered his progress but noted that he has been improving over the last ten games, reflecting his potential to contribute.
In contrast, rookie forward Emmitt Finnie is making waves by scoring two goals in his last three games, bringing his total to eight, which ranks him fourth on the team behind veteran scorers Alex DeBrincat, Dylan Larkin, and Lucas Raymond.
The Red Wings are engaged in a home-and-home series against the Capitals, with the second game taking place on Sunday in Detroit. They have struggled historically in the second game of back-to-back matchups this season, posting a 1-5 record. Goaltender John Gibson is expected to start on Saturday after winning six consecutive games. The Red Wings have shown resilience, going 6-2-1 in their last nine outings, and are particularly strong offensively, boasting a 16-3-2 record when they score at least three goals.
On the other side, the Capitals are riding high with a plus-22 goal differential, the best in the Eastern Conference. Their recent form has been impressive, posting a 6-2-2 record in their last ten games. However, injuries are a concern for Washington, with Ryan Leonard and Pierre-Luc Dubois currently sidelined.
As the teams prepare for this exciting matchup, fans can expect a competitive atmosphere as both teams aim to build on their recent performances and strengthen their playoff positions.