Detroit City Wire

The Detroit Red Wings and the Columbus Blue Jackets are set to face off in the 2025 NHL Stadium Series at Ohio Stadium on Saturday night. Both teams, with identical records of 66 points, will participate in the NHL's 43rd regular-season outdoor game, starting at 6 p.m. The event will be broadcast on ESPN/ESPN+/Disney+, while Ken Kal, Paul Woods, and Daniella Bruce will cover it on the Red Wings Radio Network.

Red Wings head coach Todd McLellan emphasized the significance of the event but reminded his team to focus on future games as well. "This is a big spectacle," McLellan said. "We’re talking a lot about it. It’s buildup. It’s unreal for both organizations and all the players involved."

Detroit aims to recover from their recent 5-2 loss against Columbus. McLellan noted areas needing improvement after reviewing footage from Thursday's game. “Some nights, as a staff, you’re tricked,” he stated, acknowledging their struggles but expressing confidence in their ability to improve.

Forward Alex DeBrincat highlighted mistakes made during that game and expressed determination for better performance on Saturday. “A lot of mistakes and turnovers early in the game,” DeBrincat remarked.

Following an outdoor practice at Ohio Stadium, McLellan remained undecided about lineup changes due to injuries but mentioned Sheldon Dries as a potential option.

The upcoming match concludes this season's series between these Eastern Conference rivals who are vying for Stanley Cup Playoffs spots. Goalie Alex Lyon commented on the stakes: “It’s pretty cool that the stakes are what they are.”