Detroit City Wire

The Detroit Red Wings are set to face the Toronto Maple Leafs at Scotiabank Arena on Friday night. This game marks the end of a two-game road trip for the Red Wings, who are aiming for their third consecutive win. The matchup will be broadcast on FanDuel Sports Network Detroit, with radio coverage by Ken Kal, Paul Woods, and Daniella Bruce on 97.1 The Ticket in Detroit.

The Red Wings recently secured a victory against the Chicago Blackhawks with a score of 4-1. Alex DeBrincat and Dylan Larkin contributed significantly with both scoring a goal and an assist each. Cam Talbot was instrumental in goal, making 28 saves.

Head coach Derek Lalonde commented on the team's recent performance: “Obviously it’s easy to say that being on a two-game winning streak, and given the fact that we’ve given up two goals in six periods, but again I didn’t overly hate our group in the first stretch of the games,” Lalonde said. “We’d love some more consistency of course, but there’s a reason we stayed in this fight.”

In preparation for Friday's game, goalie Ville Husso has been recalled from Grand Rapids Griffins due to an injury sustained by Alex Lyon during practice. Lalonde explained: “Lower body, so obviously Ville will be backing up tonight,” adding that Talbot would start against Toronto while Husso is expected to play against the New York Rangers.

Husso expressed his readiness to return: “It was a pretty clear message to just go out there, work hard, play a couple games and try to get better,” he said about his time with Grand Rapids.

Aside from Justin Holl replacing Jeff Petry in defense, no other lineup changes are planned for Friday's game according to Lalonde: “Tyler [Motte] will not be in tonight,” he stated.

The Maple Leafs enter this Original Six matchup ranked second in the Atlantic Division following their 4-0 victory over Boston Bruins. Auston Matthews remains sidelined due to an upper-body injury. Mitch Marner leads Toronto with 16 points and Anthony Stolarz has been strong as netminder this season.

Patrick Kane noted Toronto's defensive improvements: “You hear things throughout the league and kind of watch them... They’re probably feeling pretty confident after that game.”