LeftWinger 5,170 Report post Posted 23 hours ago (edited) The Detroit Red Wings will face the Montreal Canadiens in an exciting NHL game on October 9, 2025, at 7:00 pm ET/4:00 pm PT at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. Puck-Drop Time 7:00 pm ET Location Detroit, Michigan DETROIT – Will having Todd McLellan behind the bench for a full season be good for another five or six points? If you are **longing** for a thrilling season where the Detroit Red Wings rise to the occasion, then mark your calendars! This could be the pivotal moment that determines if they finally make the playoffs or suffer yet another heart-wrenching year of disappointment – the 10th consecutive miss. Step into a new era as **McLellan** takes the helm, having assumed leadership on December 26, at a time when the team was plummeting. With two incredible seven-game winning streaks igniting the Red Wings back into playoff contention, fans held their breath, hoping this would be their year. Yet, a late-season collapse dashed dreams, leaving them just five points short. In a bid for redemption, the club is counting on crucial personnel changes — the dynamic starting goaltender John Gibson, along with promising rookies Michael Brandsegg-Nygard, Emmitt Finnie, and Axel Sandin-Pellikka — to deliver the much-needed spark, complemented by internal development and increased contributions from veteran players. But there’s more to the story. Having McLellan on board since day one of training camp could prove to be the game-changer. “He arrived midway through last season, which limited practice time and opportunities for adjustments,” said general manager Steve Yzerman. “Coaching during the latter part of the season allowed him to connect with the players, understanding their dynamics both on and off the ice. This insight will be invaluable as he strives to maximize their potential.” “For our players, this means a better grasp of our coaches' expectations, their operating methods, and bench management,” he added. “There’s a sense of comfort — in a positive sense. Todd and his staff will challenge them. With ample preparation time, I anticipate this will benefit both Todd and the team greatly.” Under McLellan’s leadership, the Red Wings boasted a record of 26-18-4. A .583 points percentage would have clinched them the seventh spot in the Eastern Conference, securing the coveted second wild card position. From the very first practice, McLellan set the tone, demanding intensity with the call of “Play (bleeping) hockey; you’ve done it your whole lives.” His coaching style introduced a more aggressive strategy. “When he joined us, he pushed us hard,” said **Dylan Larkin**. “With every challenge, we seem to elevate our game. He’s already raised the bar in camp, and I believe we’re primed to hit the ground running. Our initial games are critical.” The Red Wings kick off the season Thursday at home against the Montreal Canadiens (7 p.m., FanDuel Sports Network), last season's second wild card holder. Their opening five games will test them against fierce Atlantic Division rivals. Players have observed a marked difference in this year’s camp. “Every session is filled with walkthroughs, intricate details, and high expectations,” said **Moritz Seider**. “This is precisely what we need right now. We require structure; guidance on positioning. The coaching staff has been exceptional in providing this direction, ensuring every action has intent, translating effectively into game performance.” McLellan places his trust in the younger generation. **Marco Kasper** and **Albert Johansson**, who faced challenges as rookies prior to his arrival, witnessed their fortunes transform in the latter half of the season. Furthermore, the seasoned **Patrick Kane** found renewed vigor. “Playing aggressively is a shift we’ve seen under his guidance,” Kane noted. “We’re focusing on integrating our defense into offensive plays and supporting one another across the ice, all while adopting that shoot-first mentality. This approach is invigorating!” Get ready for a season filled with hope, determination, and electrifying hockey moments! The Detroit Red Wings are poised to make a statement — will you be there to witness it? Edited 23 hours ago by LeftWinger 3 1 town123, Motor City Mullets, Jimmybigrigs69 and 1 other reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AtlantaHotWings 1,142 Report post Posted 19 hours ago Time to buckle up and nut up to the playoffs!!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Motor City Mullets 323 Report post Posted 18 hours ago I'd much prefer to see AlJo with Seider than Chiarot, but what can ya do? 1 AtlantaHotWings reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kipwinger 8,798 Report post Posted 17 hours ago 55 minutes ago, Motor City Mullets said: I'd much prefer to see AlJo with Seider than Chiarot, but what can ya do? I think that spot is up for grabs as the season plays out. Every reason to believe Johansson can play his way onto the top pair if he takes a step this season. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kipwinger 8,798 Report post Posted 12 hours ago Bets on who gets the first goal? I’ve had Debrincat on the brain all day long. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jimmybigrigs69 525 Report post Posted 11 hours ago Finndog hattrick - first 3 goals of the season Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TLGTrico 665 Report post Posted 11 hours ago El Capitan gets us started! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TLGTrico 665 Report post Posted 11 hours ago Woah. ASP on the ice for a penalty kill. That's something I didn't expect Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mackel 782 Report post Posted 11 hours ago Gibson is not very good. You just knew Montréal were scoring the last 7 seconds... some things never change. :-( Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kipwinger 8,798 Report post Posted 10 hours ago Is Hamonic -3 tonight? Woof. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
LeftWinger 5,170 Report post Posted 10 hours ago 4 goals on 10 shots... I thought Gibson was supposed to be good? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TLGTrico 665 Report post Posted 10 hours ago The only reason I'm still watching this game is so I don't miss any first career goals Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kipwinger 8,798 Report post Posted 10 hours ago Our forward lines look pretty decent but that 3rd defensive pair is getting beat up. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TLGTrico 665 Report post Posted 10 hours ago Seems like Johansson and Chiarot have been swapped Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GMRwings1983 8,804 Report post Posted 10 hours ago Team sucks again. What a surprise. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jimmybigrigs69 525 Report post Posted 10 hours ago Well Gibson is garbage Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jimmybigrigs69 525 Report post Posted 9 hours ago 8 minutes ago, Wings3:16 said: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jimmybigrigs69 525 Report post Posted 9 hours ago I think Larkin is still hungover from the 4 nations tournament. Which would explain why hes been so invisible tonight. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GMRwings1983 8,804 Report post Posted 7 hours ago Opening night game thread almost made it to one page. That's good, right? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rick D 394 Report post Posted 7 hours ago Well guys. This game wasn’t worth the trip from Texas. At least I got to see the new stadium. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jimmybigrigs69 525 Report post Posted 1 hour ago 6 hours ago, Rick D said: Well guys. This game wasn’t worth the trip from Texas. At least I got to see the new stadium. Speaking of which, I'm moving to Dallas on Monday. Sucks that was your first game at LCA, but have to make the pilgrimage at some point. First game of the year shoulda been a good choice. Bummer. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
