Detroit City Wire

The Detroit Red Wings faced a setback against the Montreal Canadiens at Little Caesars Arena on Friday night, losing 4-3 despite holding a third-period lead. However, they have an immediate opportunity to recover as they meet the Canadiens again at Bell Centre on Saturday night.

"We have a chance to get some momentum before going on [holiday] break, but we have to be better tomorrow," said Red Wings head coach Derek Lalonde. He acknowledged Montreal's strong home performance and emphasized the need for his team to improve.

Detroit goalie Cam Talbot returned after missing six of the last seven games due to a lower-body injury, making 29 saves. Meanwhile, Montreal's Sam Montembeault recorded 25 stops.

"He made some nice saves, controlled his rebounds well," Lalonde commented on Talbot’s performance. Despite some rust from injury recovery, Lalonde noted Talbot's potential to eliminate goals more easily with rhythm and comfort.

Emil Heineman opened scoring for the Canadiens in the first period. The Red Wings responded with Patrick Kane tying it up later in the same period. Kane’s goal marked his second consecutive game scoring and tied him with Joe Mullen for third most game-tying goals by a U.S.-born player.

"He’s just been all over the puck," remarked Detroit captain Dylan Larkin about Kane’s recent form.

Montreal regained their lead through Jake Evans’ short-handed goal but Joe Veleno quickly equalized for Detroit. Tyler Motte then gave Detroit their first lead early in the third period.

"Motter works hard, goes in the right spot," Michael Rasmussen said of Motte’s contribution.

However, Arber Xhekaj leveled it again for Montreal before Patrik Laine scored what would be the game-winning power-play goal after Seider’s stick broke during play. Despite pulling Talbot late in hopes of tying, Detroit couldn't score again.

Reflecting on missed opportunities, Larkin said: "Would’ve been real nice to score that one [on the power play late in the third period], tie the game up."

Detroit failed to capitalize on four power-play chances while allowing crucial special teams goals against them—a key factor according to Lalonde: "We went O-fer on the power play... It was a huge part of the game -- our inability to execute on special teams."

Lalonde also pointed out moments when players seemed too casual and stressed improvement is necessary: "We’ve got to be better with the puck... We can’t have lapses in our game."

Despite disappointment from this loss, both teams will conclude their back-to-back series Saturday night at Bell Centre where Detroit aims for redemption against Montreal.