Detroit Red Wings
Penguins at Red Wings: Notes, Lines, Goalies, How to Watch
The Detroit Red Wings (24-14-4) play a matinee game today against the Pittsburgh Penguins (18-12-9). The Red Wings are in first place in the Atlantic Division and the Eastern Conference, while the Penguins are in third place in the Eastern Conference wildcard race.
Where: Little Caesars Arena
When: Noon ET
TV/Radio: ABC /97.1 FM
Odds: Pittsburgh (+1.5, -218), Detroit (-1.5, +180).
Hot: Goalie Gibson owns a 9-1-0 record with a 2.21 goals-against average, a 0.925 save percentage and two shutouts in 10 appearances since Dec. 2 vs. Boston.
Not: Center Nate Danielson has one point in his past 12 games.
Spotlight: Simon Edvinsson didn’t make the Swedish Olympic team, even though there were reports that team officials were intrigued with his potential to be a physical force and a strong defensive player.
Story: John Gibson is expected to start in net against the Penguins. . . The Red Wings are 6-1-0 on home ice since Dec. 2 vs. Boston. . . Detroit is 17-1-1 this season when leading after 40 minutes, and 9-1-1 when doing so at home. . . Detroit ranks fourth (25.2%) on the power play in the NHL this season and 17th in penalty-killing (80.2%). . . Injuries: None
Detroit Projected Lines
Emmitt Finnie — Dylan Larkin — Lucas Raymond
Alex DeBrincat — Andrew Copp — Patrick Kane
Marco Kasper — Nate Danielson — James van Riemsdyk
Michael Rasmussen — JT Compher — Mason Appleton
Defense Pairings
Simon Edvinsson — Moritz Seider
Ben Chiarot — Axel Sandin-Pellikka
Albert Johansson– Jacob Bernard-Docker
Subs: Travis Hamonic, Elmer Soderblom
Goalies
John Gibson (Cam Talbot backing up)
Pittsburgh Penguins
Story: The Penguins have won their last three games, including a 4-3 overtime triumph over the Red Wings on New Year’s Day. Sidney Crosby had two goals and an assist in that game. . . On Friday, Evgeni Malkin practiced with the Penguins wearing a noncontact jersey, but he did not travel with the team. . . Injuries: Malkin (upper body), Caleb Jones (lower body), Filip Hallander (blood clot)
Projected Lines
Rickard Rakell — Sidney Crosby — Bryan Rust
Anthony Mantha — Tommy Novak — Justin Brazeau
Rutger McGroarty — Ben Kindel — Yegor Chinakhov
Connor Dewar — Blake Lizotte — Noel Acciari
Defense Pairings
Parker Wotherspoon — Erik Karlsson
Brett Kulak — Kris Letang
Ryan Shea — Jack St. Ivany
Goalies
Stuart Skinner (Arturs Silovs backing up)
Sub: Kevin Hayes, Connor Clifton, Ville Koivunen
Pretty much a must game , looking at their upcoming schedule. Good teams have to beat the teams below them. Hopefully they come out ready to play, it’s been noticeable over the last couple years that they seem to lag or start slow in matinee games. Looking for a good performance today as it’s on national tv as well. Does Kane reach 500 today? Have to snag this game!
12SOG; I am not sure what to say. As a fan, it is so disappointing when they do not show up. Losing a game is one thing; not showing up is another. Coach T keeps trying to build into them game management. What is the next step? Sit some players? I really do not know.