Red Wings Host Devils in Eastern Conference Matchup

The Detroit Red Wings host the New Jersey Devils at Little Caesars Arena as the Eastern Conference teams meet during Detroit’s three-game homestand. The Oct. 13 matchup features the Red Wings at 1-3-1 and the Devils at 2-3-0 after recent losses.

According to Sports Illustrated, Detroit entered the game after a 1-0 shootout loss to the Montreal Canadiens, while New Jersey was coming off a 4-1 defeat against the Ottawa Senators. The matchup opened the NHL’s Frozen Frenzy schedule, with all 32 teams in action.

The Devils carried offensive pressure into the contest but struggled to turn chances into goals. Sports Yahoo reported that New Jersey had outshot opponents 181-129 through five games but held a minus-seven goal differential, while Jack Hughes led the team with five points.

New Jersey coach Sheldon Keefe said the team needed stronger execution near the net after creating scoring opportunities.

"We need some better finish. We've been around the net. We've had more than enough chances to score more than we have.

Yet we haven't obviously done it to the level necessary to get the amount of goals we need. So, just got to be hungry around the net," said Sheldon Keefe, Devils coach.

According to Sports Illustrated, Detroit entered the matchup focused on improving its penalty kill after early-season struggles. Red Wings coach Todd McLellan also highlighted goaltender Daniil Tarasov’s recent performance after he stopped all 30 regulation shots against Montreal.

"We didn’t get off to the greatest start when it comes to the penalty kill. We got dinged in that Winnipeg game. That hurts your number real early in the year, and now it’s a long climb to get it back to what we’d like it to be," said Todd McLellan, Red Wings coach.

McLellan said the Red Wings viewed their goaltending as an important part of defensive improvement. Detroit also entered the game with Alex DeBrincat matching Hughes with five points.

"I still believe the best penalty killer on the ice is usually your goaltender. [Tarasov] did an outstanding job in Montreal the other night," said Todd McLellan, Red Wings coach.

NHL.com reported that several lineup changes affected the teams before the game. The Devils planned to debut Kovacevic, while Noesen entered the lineup in place of Luke Evangelista, who was unavailable because of illness.

The Red Wings listed Marco Kasper, J.T. Compher and Mason Appleton as injured players. Detroit also confirmed that Raymond and Faulk would play after missing practice for maintenance.

The Red Wings were scheduled to continue their homestand against the Philadelphia Flyers on Oct. 15 and the San Jose Sharks on Oct. 17, according to Sports Illustrated.