Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin will make his preseason debut tonight playing on a line with Lucas Raymond and Filip Zadina. Danny DeKeyser and Adam Brubacher will also make their preseason debut’s tonight. Similar to the first preseason game, the Red Wings will go with seven defenseman.
Thomas and Greiss and Calvin Pickard will share the goaltending duties.
Bertuzzi Speculation
With Tyler Bertuzzi sitting once again tonight, trade speculation for the Red Wings forward continues to heat up. Perhaps it’s just precautionary as he’s still coming back from back surgery. Only time will tell why the Red Wings continue to play preseason games without Larkin’s regular left winger.
Detroit Red Wings Lineup
What Surprises could happen on defense?
The Red Wings have 10 capable players who could play defense on this year’s roster.
Nick Leddy and Moritz Seider were the top defense pairing on Thursday against Buffalo. They will once again be paired together against Columbus.
Danny DeKeyser did not play in either of the first two games. Tonight, expect DeKeyser to play on the second pairing with Filip Hronek.
Wyatt Newpower, Dan Renouf and Brubacher (Professional Tryout) are all in the lineup and expected to start the season in Grand Rapids.
Players Need to be Exceptional
Players can’t just blend in with this improved roster. They need to be exceptional so that they stand out from the other players.
From tonight’s lineup, Joe Veleno and Chase Pearson need to step up and get noticed if they are going to be on the opening night’s roster.
Columbus Lineup
Gustav Nyquist, Oliver Bjorkstrand, Patrik Laine, Zach Werenski, Boone Jenner, Max Domi, and Joonas Korpisalo are absent from the lineup.
The Blue Jackets have a team rule that all players and team personnel must be double-vaccinated in order to remain with the organization. Like Tyler Beruzzi, Zac Rinaldo refused to become vaccinated. Earlier this week, Rinaldo was placed on waivers, and today he cleared waivers and is now an UFA.