Detroit City Wire

As the Detroit Red Wings progress through the early stages of the 2024-25 NHL season, team members have identified both strengths and areas for improvement. Captain Dylan Larkin emphasized the importance of confidence in achieving their potential.

“It’s guys wanting the puck on their stick and feeling confident to make plays,” Larkin stated after a practice session at Little Caesars Arena’s BELFOR Training Center. He highlighted that individual and team confidence is crucial when entering any game.

Patrick Kane echoed Larkin's sentiments, agreeing “100 percent” with his captain. Kane remarked on the necessity of playing fearlessly and aggressively, stating, “You can’t think about making a mistake... You got to play with some swagger and fearlessness.”

Both players pointed out that maintaining possession in the offensive zone could alleviate defensive pressure. According to NHL EDGE statistics, Detroit spends 44.2% of its time in the defensive zone compared to 37.3% in the offensive zone this season.

Kane noted, “When we get into that O-zone, we have a lot of players that can make plays... It’s something we’re talking about every day and trying to build on.”

The Red Wings currently share nine points with teams like Buffalo Sabres, Montreal Canadiens, and Boston Bruins in the Atlantic Division standings. Florida Panthers lead with 15 points.

Detroit head coach Derek Lalonde acknowledged their current standing as a .500 team but expressed hope for more consistency moving forward. “We’d like to seek some 60-minute consistency,” he said.

Looking ahead to Saturday's game against Buffalo Sabres, Lalonde expects Vladimir Tarasenko will be available following an illness while Tyler Motte awaits medical clearance after an upper body injury.

“This could be our first [game with] 13 [forwards],” Lalonde mentioned regarding lineup possibilities for the upcoming match.