Detroit City Wire

Wrapping up a back-to-back home-and-home set, the Detroit Red Wings are preparing to face the Montreal Canadiens at Bell Centre on Saturday night. The game is scheduled for 7 p.m., with broadcast coverage available on FanDuel Sports Network Detroit Extra and the Red Wings Radio Network (97.1 The Ticket in Detroit). After this match, these Atlantic Division and Original Six rivals will not meet again until January 23 at Little Caesars Arena.

In their last encounter on Friday, Tyler Motte scored to give the Red Wings a 3-2 lead early in the third period. However, the Canadiens responded with two unanswered goals—one at even strength from Arber Xhekaj and another on the power play by Patrik Laine—resulting in a 4-3 defeat for Detroit at Little Caesars Arena.

"We’ve just got to capitalize on our chances, play with a little more intensity and minimize our mistakes," said Detroit captain Dylan Larkin. "They get a little bit off the rush, but you look at the goals they score and there were just some key breakdowns."

Larkin emphasized that improvements in puck management and intensity could help them perform better against Montreal on Saturday night. "A lot of it we talk about---breaking the puck out well, coming back to the house and stopping, puck management," he added.

Patrick Kane contributed to Friday's efforts with his fifth goal of the season during the first period, extending his point streak to three consecutive games. In this period, Kane has amassed four points through two goals and two assists. Overall, he has collected 14 points (five goals, nine assists) across 27 games this season.

"Obviously exciting finish," remarked Detroit head coach Derek Lalonde regarding Kane’s performance. "Obviously they had some looks...I don’t want that group to get in a trading goals scenario because you’re going to have up-and-down play."

Joe Veleno also scored for Detroit by tipping in Jeff Petry’s shot near the end of the second period. Larkin noted that such gritty plays are crucial for securing victory against Montreal.

"[On Saturday night] we need to create bounces for ourselves," Larkin stated. "That’s getting bodies to the net...Just simple hockey and creating good bounces for yourself."