The Detroit Red Wings are back in action after a few days off, right ahead of the holiday. While most fans are thinking about Turkey and the Lions football game on Turkey Day, the Red Wings are back in the U.S. and in action again.
The Detroit Red Wings have returned from their upsetting trip to Sweden and are facing off against the New Jersey Devils. The Red Wings are playing host to the Devils, as this is the first time the two teams have met since the season opener.
The Devils handed the Red Wings their first loss before the team went on a red-hot tear. Additionally, the Red Wings have not been playing up to par lately and are struggling with multiple aspects of his game.
When it comes to the Red Wings’ season, they snap back into shape if they want to compete. After returning from Sweden with just one point, something has to give. Detroit continues to shuffle the deck, and they have finally started rotating their goalies.
3 keys to victory for the Detroit Red Wings as they host the Devils.
Let’s look at a couple of key points that could allow the Detroit Red Wings to find some success against the Devils.
1. Running 11 forwards – 7 defensemen to mix things up.
Red Wings head coach Derek Lalonde has made it clear that he wants to shuffle the deck. Detroit Free Press’s Helene St. James noted that Lalonde is leaning toward an 11F/7D combination as the team heads into battle with the Devils. Going a step further, rolling seven defenders might offer a good change of pace and also allow some shielding of Jake Walman, who took a tumble during the NHL Global Series, hitting his face/head on the post and leading to an early exit.
Though Walman seems ready to return, an easier night back in action might be beneficial. In addition, Detroit needs to shuffle things in the defense core, as a change might help them snap back into shape.
With 11 forwards, they have three lines and two rolling forwards, meaning they will roll their forwards as well, which might allow for shorter shifts and a better job rolling through their lines, attempting to stay fresh.
2. Trusting in Alex Lyon, providing good play in front of him.
This one goes hand-in-hand with the first bullet, in a way. The Red Wings will rock with Alex Lyon on Wednesday, allowing him to make his second start of the 2023-24 season. Ville Husso missed the trip to Sweden after welcoming a baby girl to his family alongside his wife. On top of that, James Reimer needed a break, and Newsy opted to give Lyon a chance.
Lyon was more than alright in his first chance. Even though Toronto came marching back, Lyon played well, all things considered. Looking at Wednesday’s match-up, it’s a great thing to allow Lyon another start. Plus, riding with Lyon once again, there’s a chance for Detroit to play well in front of him.
Jack Hughes will be a problem, so keeping him to the outside and limiting his chances to shoot, unless it’s from the outside, could lead to some success. He’s still a liability to score from outside the slot, but they increase their chances.
3. Creating offense early on.
I feel like I’m beating the same dead horse, but the Red Wings continue to struggle out of the gates. If they score early, they falter later on. But even in the loss to the Maple Leafs, both sides were scoreless through 20 minutes. While it’s good to hold off the opposition, they spotted the Senators a four-goal lead in their first game overseas.
But if Detroit can come out and try to score early, they have better chances. Playing a complete game is the big point, and that starts with scoring early on.
Detroit Red Wings vs. Devils preview, prediction, odds
Game: Detroit Red Wings (8-6-3) vs. New Jersey Devils (8-7-1)
When: Wednesday, November 22nd
Time: 7:00 PM ET
Where: Little Caesars Arena
Where to Watch: Bally Sports
Odds: According to DraftKings, the New Jersey Devils are the favorite with a -162 payout on the Moneyline, and the Detroit Red Wings have a +136 payout. The Red Wings are +1.5 on the Puck Line with a -192 payout as the favorite. The Devils are -1.5 on the Puck Line with a +160 payout. The over/under is set at 6.5. The over has a -135 payout, and the under has a +114 payout.
Prediction: The Red Wings are playing host to the Devils ahead of Thanksgiving. Heck, the first 7,500 fans who get to LCA tomorrow will get a Red Wings Zamboni gravy boat… which is pretty darn cool, in my opinion. Hopefully, some time off and rest after the Sweden trip will allow the Red Wings to get back on track. I’m maintaining the positivity and trying not to throw in the towel on things. I’m backing Detroit on the Puck Line and the under in this one.