DetroitRedWings.com’s Jonathan Mills posted an early-evening preview of tonight’s game between the Red Wings and Winnipeg Jets (7 PM EST start on FanDuel SportsNet Detroit/Sportsnet West/97.1 FM). The Red Wings hope to earn some revenge for a 6-0 home loss to Winnipeg on October 30th:
“We’re playing a lot better. Three in a row now, would be a huge win if we get one tonight and keep it going,” Andrew Copp said. “We’re feeling good about the direction we’re heading and some of the changes that were made. It’s up to us to find a way to keep some momentum going for January here.”
Playing with plenty of confidence since the calendar year turned to 2025, Detroit is coming off a 5-4 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets on Thursday. The Red Wings saw their two goal first-period lead erased by the Blue Jackets, and the Eastern Conference clubs battled back and forth before Jonatan Berggren netted the go-ahead tally with 36 seconds remaining in regulation.
“When the spirit is high, you have an opportunity to advance as a team,” Detroit head coach Todd McLellan said. “You can give the players something new to bite off, adjust the forecheck and neutral zone or whatever you want. When the spirit is a little ragged, you spend a lot of time just on that. We have been able to advance. The spirit has been good. Obviously, winning helps but there will be ebbs and flows throughout the year.”
After Saturday’s morning skate, McLellan announced that Jeff Petry, who exited midway through the third period on Saturday, will not play in Winnipeg. As a result, Albert Johansson will take Petry’s place in the lineup.
“He’s been waiting patiently,” McLellan said about Johansson. “He’s worked really hard in practice and he’s going to get his opportunity, so we’re really excited about that.”
