NHL
The Daily: Red Wings Face Kings at Right Time; Flyers Trade Talk

The Los Angeles Kings have played well this season, sitting 12th overall in the NHL standings with a 26-14-6 record. They rank fourth overall with a sparkling 2.46 goals-against average.
But those numbers are presently a bit misleading.
If there was a better time to face the Kings this season, it might be now. The Red Wings play a Kings’ team that is 2-4-1 in its last seven games.
Scoring has been a problem for the Kings. They only scored 15 goals (2.14 goals per game) in those save games, and five of those came in a 5-1 win against Vancouver. The Kings are averaging 1.66 goals in the other six games.
Meanwhile, the Red Wings are trying to win their third consecutive games.
Drew Doughty is expected to return to the Kings in the next 3-5 games. His health is great, but needs time to get back up to speed. Hence, Canada is slow playing a decision in replacing Petro.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) January 27, 2025
The Kings are currently in third place in the Atlantic Division, but the Calgary Flames are only three points behind them.
The LA squad will soon get a boost with the return of injured veteran defenseman Drew Doughty.
Red Wings In Case You Missed It
Bob Duff writes that it’s hard to argue with GM Steve Yzerman’s draft strategy.
Marco Kasper’s recent scoring binge answers the final question about his potential.
Coach Todd McLellan has transformed Red Wings players into believers when it comes to their potential to qualify for the playoffs.
Red Wings Extra
Cam Talbot is Detroit’s likely starter in goal for tonight’s home game against the Los Angeles Kings (7 p.m. ET, Fanduel Sports Network). This will be Talbot’s third consecutive start. He stopped 55 of 57 shots in beating the Montreal Canadiens and Tampa Bay Lightning in his last two starts. Injured Patrick Kane hasn’t resumed skating. Detroit (23-21-5) is four points out of a playoff position.
Hockey Now Network
New Jersey: James Nichols writes that the call-up of Devils top AHL scorer may mean injured Nico Hischier will be out an extended period. New Jersey Devils.Â
Philadelphia: William James looks at whether the Flyers should aggressively pursue a trade for Elias Pettersson. Philadelphia Flyers.Â
Pittsburgh: Dan Kingerski looks at whether the Penguins might be interested in Dallas youngster Mavrik Bourque. Pittsburgh Penguins.