NHL
The Red Wings are Still Seeking Their First Win
Florida will host Detroit as the Red Wings are seeking their first win this season. This will be their first of four match ups this season. Last season, the series was split 2-2-0.
Tale of the Tape
Detroit (0-5-2)
The Red Wings are coming off of a loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning by a score of 3-1.
Detroit cant seem to get it together. The Red Wings only have two points over the course of their last seven games.
It doesn’t help that their captain, Henrik Zetterberg, retired before the start of the season. In addition, Niklas Kronwall is talking about retiring by seasons end. There just doesn’t seem to be an end in sight.
But it is interesting to note their young guys are very talented and proof that no team should be underestimated in the NHL. Dylan Larkin leads the Red Wings with 5 points. Look for him to get on the score sheet.
In addition, keep an eye on Tyler Bertuzzi. Not only can he score but his physical game is excellent. Look for him to make havoc in this game.
Florida (1-2-2)
The Panthers are coming off of a shootout thriller victory by a score of 6-5. This is their first win of the season.
Florida seems like its finally on the right track. It’s starting to shine with players like Vincent Trocheck (leads the team with 7 points) and Evgenii Dadonov (second on the team with 6). However, their goaltenders have been an issue ever since Roberto Luongo went down. James Reimer was pulled last night in favor of Michael Hutchinson and is expected to get the start tonight.
Additionally, defenseman Mike Matheson is coming off of his two game suspension.
Injuries/Suspensions
Detroit
Mike Green currently has an illness and it is unknown if he will play.
Evgeny Schvenikov is recovering from back surgery.
Johnathan Ericsson is expected to play.
Danny DeKeyser is out with an upper body injury.
Florida
As previously mentioned, Matheson is coming off of his two game suspension for this match up.
Roberto Luongo is out with a MCL sprain.
Derek Mackenzie is out with an upper body injury.
Jaime McGinn is still recovering from back surgery.
Mark Pysyk left last night’s game with an upper body injury and it is unclear if he will play.
Projected lineups (according to NHL.com)
Detroit
L1: Darren Helm-Dylan Larkin-Gustav Nyquist
L2: Tyler Bertuzzi-Frans Nielson-Andreas Athanasiou
L3: Michael Rasmussen-Luke Glendening-Justin Abdelkader
L4: Thomas Vanek-Christoffer Ehn-Anthony Mantha
D1: Niklas Kronwall-Filip Hronek
D2: Johnathan Ericsson-Trevor Daily
D3: Dennis Cholowski-Nick Jensen
G1: Jimmy Howard
G2: Johnathan Bernier
Scratches: Luke Witkowski, Jacob de la Rose, Martin Frk, Joe Hicketts
Florida
L1: Evgenii Dadonov-Aleksander Barkov-Nick Bjugstad
L2: Johnathan Huberdeau-Vincent Trocheck-Colton Scevior
L3: Frank Vatrano-Jared McCann-Denis Malgin
L4: Mike Hoffman-Juho Lammikko-Troy Brouwer
D1: Keith Yandle-Aaron Ekblad
D2: Mike Matheson-Mackenzie Weegar
D3: Bogdan Kiselevich-Alexander Petrovic
G1: Michael Hutchinson
G2: James Reimer
Scratches: Maxim Mami
Social Media
Follow Joey on Twitter @JoeyGanzi
Photo Credit
Photo Courtesy of Steve Mitchel
