Detroit City Wire

The Detroit Red Wings are set to host the Colorado Avalanche at Little Caesars Arena on Saturday night, aiming to overcome recent challenges. The game will be broadcast on FanDuel Sports Network Detroit Extra and the Red Wings Radio Network.

Jeff Petry emphasized focusing on both positives and areas needing improvement. "You have to look at the positives," Petry said. "You also have to look at the things that we need to work on because I think that’s where frustration comes in, is when you’re making the same mistakes over and over."

The Red Wings recently ended a two-game road trip with a 2-1 loss against the Ottawa Senators. Alex DeBrincat scored his 11th goal of the season, while their penalty kill remained strong, successfully stopping all five penalties.

Red Wings head coach Derek Lalonde commented on their defensive performance against Ottawa. “We spent almost nine minutes on the penalty kill, and they only had three shots with one chance,” Lalonde said.

Eight of Detroit's last nine games have been decided by a single goal. Lalonde expressed optimism about their process despite frustrations from narrow losses. “No doubt increases the frustration level, but the encouraging part is our process,” he noted.

Goalie Ville Husso will start his third consecutive game as Cam Talbot and Alex Lyon remain sidelined due to injuries. “We’re hoping to see them hit the ice soon here,” Lalonde mentioned regarding their return.

The Colorado Avalanche come into this matchup tied for fourth place in their division after losing three of their last four games. Nathan MacKinnon leads in assists and is second in points across the league, closely followed by teammates Mikko Rantanen and Cale Makar.

In recent team changes, Colorado traded goalie Justus Annunen for Scott Wedgewood, who made 30 saves in his debut for them against Carolina Hurricanes.

Petry stressed defensive vigilance against Colorado's offensive threats: “For us, it’s cliché, but we need to make sure we’re in their face and taking away their time and space.”