Red Wings Host Kraken in Detroit Season Opener Homestand Finale

The Detroit Red Wings host the Seattle Kraken at Little Caesars Arena on Friday night in the final game of their four-game season-opening homestand. Detroit enters at 1-2-0 after a 5-3 win over Ottawa, while Seattle arrives at 2-2-0 for the start of a five-game road trip.

According to NHL.com, puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET. Alex DeBrincat led Detroit's win over Ottawa with two goals and an assist, while Dylan Larkin, Viktor Arvidsson and Justin Faulk also scored.

William Wallinder made his NHL debut in Detroit's victory and said the team needs to continue its recent defensive improvement.

"We just got to keep going the way we’ve been the last couple of games," said William Wallinder, Red Wings defenseman.

Wallinder also highlighted Detroit's defensive structure as the team prepares for Seattle. The 24-year-old is the third-youngest player among the Red Wings defensemen, according to NHL.com.

"We’ve been pretty solid defensively, so we just got to keep that going and get some offense going," said William Wallinder, Red Wings defenseman.

The rookie described Detroit's first win as an important response after two opening losses.

"It was huge for the team," said William Wallinder, Red Wings defenseman.

Wallinder said the victory provided momentum after the team began the season with consecutive defeats.

"Coming off two straight losses after the home opener, I think it was really big for the team to get a win… Hopefully, we can get another one tonight," said William Wallinder, Red Wings defenseman.

Red Wings coach Todd McLellan said Detroit's defensive group has featured a mix of younger and older players while adapting to a seven-defenseman rotation.

"Our back end is an interesting mix right now – younger and older paired up that way," said Todd McLellan, Red Wings head coach.

McLellan explained that the rotation has created challenges for player rhythm and defensive pairings, but he said the group has handled the situation well.

"Not easy playing seven a night. Your rhythm as a player and your partner continuity gets messed up a little bit. Sometimes, you got two lefties out or two righties just to try to find them ice time.

So, it’s been a tougher task for them. The older players should be able to handle it. We’re always keeping an eye on the younger ones, but they’ve done well," said Todd McLellan, Red Wings head coach.

McLellan said Detroit has limited goals against despite allowing some scoring chances and continues to develop its penalty kill.

"When you look at our 5-on-5, stuff we’ve given up against, we’ve given up chances," said Todd McLellan, Red Wings head coach.

The coach added that newer players are continuing to adjust to special teams responsibilities.

"We haven’t given up a lot of goals. And then penalty kill, for some of the newer players, is ever evolving. It is with some of our older players too, but it’s ever evolving and they’re starting to pick things up a little bit," said Todd McLellan, Red Wings head coach.

McLellan also discussed his long relationship with Seattle coach Lane Lambert, who previously played in Saskatoon with the Blades alongside McLellan and Trent Yawney.

"Trent Yawney and I both played with Lane too in Saskatoon with the Blades," said Todd McLellan, Red Wings head coach.

McLellan clarified that his connection with Lambert came largely from sharing the ice and following his career path.

"Actually, I probably didn’t play with him. I just felt like I played with him - I was always on the ice with him. He got drafted, came to Detroit, made the team and probably opened up a door for me to make the Blades.

The three of us have had a long relationship. Picked his brain on hockey for years," said Todd McLellan, Red Wings head coach.

McLellan said Seattle's offense has produced strong stretches early in the season, including high-scoring wins against Calgary, and the Red Wings must manage the Kraken's defensive activation.

"I think they had six (goals) against Calgary twice, so those were big wins for them. They have a group of D-men that get activated pretty good…and those guys can really jump up and skate. So, we’re going to have to be aware of the second wave.

They do a lot of low-to-high, feeder-type shots toward the net, so then there’s chaos there. We’ll have to be good coming back into our end. We’ll have to be good in our zone and good around our net," said Todd McLellan, Red Wings head coach.