Detroit City Wire

The Detroit Red Wings are set to begin their 2024-25 NHL season on Thursday night against the Pittsburgh Penguins at Little Caesars Arena. The game, initially scheduled for a 7 p.m. start, will now commence at 8 p.m. due to Game 4 of the American League Division Series taking place nearby at Comerica Park.

Lucas Raymond expressed the team's eagerness to start the new season, saying, "You’ve been waiting all summer, especially how last year ended. I think everyone is a little extra excited to get out there Thursday." Raymond recently signed an eight-year contract extension with the Red Wings.

Last season, Detroit finished fifth in the Atlantic Division with a record of 41-32-9 and missed the playoffs by a narrow margin due to a tiebreaker. Michael Rasmussen reflected on last year's playoff chase: "I haven’t really experienced that kind of hockey... There’s nothing worse than playing meaningless hockey."

The Red Wings have retained several players from last year and added new talent including defenseman Erik Gustafsson, forwards Tyler Motte and Vladimir Tarasenko, and goalie Cam Talbot. Raymond noted improvements within the team: "We are a better team coming into this year compared to last year... Guys are taking steps."

The Penguins come into this match after a heavy loss in their opener against the New York Rangers. Head coach Derek Lalonde emphasized staying focused: "Our only focus, since our last exhibition game, was our Opening Night... We want to perform the right way and try to build."