Quinn Hughes (left); Owen Power (right) -- (Timothy T. Ludwig, USA TODAY Images)
The Buffalo Sabres have been enjoying success of late, but they’re still in a dogfight to hang onto a Stanley Cup playoff berth. And their next 10 games could be the difference in making or missing the post-season.
Once they finish up with the Islanders game, the Sabres will play the Los Angeles Kings, Canadiens (again) and Florida Panthers, the Tampa Bay Lightning, and the Pittsburgh Penguins. Again (and with due respect to the Penguins), that’s nine games out of 10 that the Sabres get an opponent who could beat them.
That means, between now and then – ‘then’ being three weeks from today,– the Sabres could find themselves either in a top-three position in the Atlantic Division, or they could be in the basement of the Eastern conference once again. The difference between being a playoff team and a non-playoff team is razor-thin, and that’s why every game counts.
The Sabres will need to produce about 14 standings points out of 20 points available to them in their next 10 games. Anything less than that, and there’s room for competing teams to leapfrog them in the standings.
The Sabres have to show right now that they’re a different group than the Sabres teams that wilted beneath the pressure that has built every year since Buffalo last was a playoff team.
But there's no question the Sabres have a major test in the 10 games ahead. And the way they respond to that challenge will largely dictate whether they can end their playoff drought, or see it increased to 15 years.
For the second time in as many days, the Ottawa Senators blew a two-goal lead and lost in overtime. Alex DeBrincat scored just 36 seconds into the extra frame to give the Detroit Red Wings a 4–3 home victory.
As was the case in Saturday's overtime versus Montreal, the Senators had a prime chance at one end, couldn’t capitalize, then surrendered an odd-man rush the other way. DeBrincat led the charge and ripped a shot high glove-side past newcomer James Reimer, who had a solid debut despite the loss.
Ottawa was outshot 34–22 in the game.
The Senators got things going early in the first period, scoring twice in just 39 seconds.
Just over four minutes in, Drake Batherson had a wide-open net and made no mistake after Red Wings goaltender John Gibson stopped initial shots from Thomas Chabot and Fabian Zetterlund. For number 19, it was goal number 19 on the season.
Ottawa kept pressing and earned a power-play opportunity soon after. Batherson chipped a puck down low to Brady Tkachuk. Tkachuk passed it out front to Dylan Cozens, who finished with a smooth forehand-backhand deke to beat Gibson and give the Senators a 2–0 advantage.
Detroit cut into the lead just over two minutes later. Following an elbowing call on Nick Cousins that didn't look like much, the Red Wings’ power play went to work. Axel Sandin-Pellikka scored his sixth of the season, firing a long wrist shot through traffic that Reimer never picked up through the screen.
Six minutes into the second period, Lucas Raymond tied the game with his 15th goal of the year. In a one-on-one with Jake Sanderson, Raymond ripped the puck past him, and beat Reimer cleanly up high. Senators goaltending continues to struggle with shots from distance, ranking among the league leaders in goals allowed from long range.
Late in the second, with David Perron off for holding, James van Riemsdyk buried a rebound on the power play to give Detroit a 3–2 lead. It was similar to the between the legs shot that Tim Stutzle had scored versus Montreal on Saturday.
But the Senators answered before the end of the period. With Elmer Söderblom in the box for interfering Ridly Greig, Shane Pinto redirected a crisp pass from Claude Giroux into a vacant net. The goal sent both teams to the locker room tied 3–3 after 40 minutes.
Early in the third period, the Senators continued their recent trend of taking offensive-zone penalties. Brady Tkachuk was called for tripping 190 feet from Ottawa’s net. James Reimer made a couple of big saves on the ensuing sequence, forcing him to move laterally and keep the game tied.
Dylan Cozens had a prime opportunity to give the Senators the lead five minutes into the third. Off a hard forecheck by Greig, the puck was jarred loose and slid out to Cozens alone in front with no one around him, but Gibson made a nice glove save.
With nine minutes left to play, Reimer made another fine save to keep the score tied at three. Elmer Soderblom was all alone in front and redirected a shot from the point, but Rhymer got his right pad on it.
The Shane Pinto line had a great look in the final minute of regulation, but never quite got a clean shot off.
That set the scene for DeBrincat's OT heroics against his former team.
Reimer was solid in his first NHL regular-season start in nine months. At 37, Reimer is the third oldest goalie to play this season in the NHL. Jonathan Quick is the oldest followed by former Senator Cam Talbot.
Prior to the game, the Red Wings held a ceremony honoring forward Patrick Kane, celebrating his recent entry into the NHL’s 500-goal club.
The Senators will be in Columbus on Tuesday night.
Steve Warne The Hockey News Ottawa
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VANCOUVER -- The New York Islanders hit the ice against on Sunday afternoon ahead of their Monday showdown against the Vancouver Canucks.
Mathew Barzal is from Coquitlam, British Columbia, which is about a half hour from Vancouver, so he'll have family and friends in the stands for this one.
After backing up David Rittich in their 4-2 loss to the Calgary Flames on Saturday, Ilya Sorokin will return to the crease. He stopped all 26 shots that came his way in a 1-0 shutout win against the Edmonton Oilers on Thursday.
Maxim Tsyplakov, who hasn't played since the Islanders' 4-3 overtime win against the Minnesota Wild, will draw back in for Maxim Shabanov. He'll skate alongside Calum Ritchie and Emil Heineman.
"There's nothing personal," head coach Patrick Roy said. "I mean, sometimes you've got to try different things. And Tsyppy hasn't played since the Minnesota game, and so we thought this was a good time for it."
Tsyplakov has just one goal in 24 games this season. Roy wants to see the player he saw in the KHL footage before the forward signed with the Islanders ahead of the 2024-25 season.
"I want him to play his game," Roy said. "When I was watching him two years ago, before he came to the Islanders, I thought that, the way I was watching him, he was a power forward. He's a guy that will bring pucks to the net, a guy that plays really well defensively...to me, that's his DNA, and I want him to play that game. I don't need him to be fancy with the puck -- I know he will, which is fine with me at times. But what I really want to see is his net presence, his ability to do a great job in the defensive zone, and stuff like that. And I know he could do it."
CHICAGO (AP) — Blackhawks forward Frank Nazar practiced with the team on Sunday and could return as soon as Thursday at Carolina.
Nazar, who turned 22 on Wednesday, was hit in the face by a puck during a 6-4 loss at Ottawa on Dec. 20.
“It feels great to be back with the guys and skating and had a lot of fun out there today,” Nazar said.
The Blackhawks have lost three in a row going into Monday night's home game against Winnipeg. They visit the Hurricanes on Thursday before hosting Tampa Bay on Friday night.
“As far as I know, he won't play tomorrow. Unless something drastically changed, I don't think he will,” coach Jeff Blashill said of Nazar. “So that would allow him another full practice at least and then see where we go from there.”
Blashill also said Teuvo Teravainen won't play against the Jets because of an upper-body injury. The 31-year-old forward got hurt in the first period of last week's 4-1 loss to Edmonton.
Nazar, a first-round pick in the 2022 draft, has six goals and 15 assists in 33 games this season. He agreed to a $46.2 million, seven-year extension with the Blackhawks in August.
“Just really itching to get back and give what I can to help the team win,” Nazar said.
The Vancouver Canucks have announced four roster moves ahead of their matchup on Monday against the New York Islanders. Vancouver has recalled defenceman Elias Pettersson while assigning defenceman Victor Mancini and Nikita Tolopilo to the AHL. The Canucks have also called up goaltender Jiri Patera under emergency conditions.
Pettersson was sent down to the Abbotsford Canucks on January 11 and skated in two AHL games. He did not record a point but did have two penalty minutes and two shots on goal. This season, Pettersson has played in 38 NHL games, where he has recorded six points.
As for Mancini, he skated in four games for the Canucks since his call-up on January 11. In those four games, he recorded two shots and averaged 16:33 of ice time. Mancini has spent the majority of his season in the AHL, posting six points in 20 games.
Moving to the goaltenders, Tolopilo played two games on his recent call-up. In those two games, he posted a 6.01 goals against average and a save percentage of .842. Tolopilo is 4-4-3 in the AHL this season with a save percentage of .900.
Lastly, Patera is projected to serve as the backup on Monday against the Islanders as Thatcher Demko remains out with an injury. He has played one NHL game this year, where he allowed seven goals on 40 shots against the Florida Panthers. This season, Patera is 7-6-4 in the AHL and has a save percentage of .915.
Dec 27, 2025; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Canucks defenseman Elias Pettersson (25) handles the puck against the San Jose Sharks in the third period at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-Imagn Images
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MONTREAL (AP) — Phil Goyette, the former NHL forward who helped the Montreal Canadiens win Stanley Cup titles in his first four seasons and was the New York Islanders' first coach, has died. He was 92.
The Canadiens said in a statement Sunday that Goyette died Saturday, saying Goyette's “family would like to thank the public for their wishes of sympathy.” The team didn't provide a cause of death.
Goyette, from Lachine, Quebec, made his debut with the Canadiens in 1956-57. He also played for the New York Rangers, Buffalo Sabres and St. Louis Blues, winning the Lady Byng Trophy for sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct in 1969-70 with St. Louis.
In 940 regular-season games, Goyette had 207 goals and 467 assists. The center added 17 goals and 29 assists in 94 playoff games. He wrapped up his playing career in 1971-72, falling short of a fifth Stanley Cup title when the Rangers fell to Boston in six games in the final.
“We join the hockey world in sending our condolences to Phil’s loved ones, friends, and former teammates,” the Rangers said in a statement.
Goyette coached the expansion Islanders in 1972-73, going 6-40-4 before he was replaced by Earl Ingarfield.
“The Islanders are deeply saddened to learn of the death of Phil Goyette, the organization’s original head coach,” the team said in a statement. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.”
According to TSN insider Darren Dreger, the Calgary Flames have traded defenseman Rasmus Andersson to the Vegas Golden Knights, a move that further strengthens an already loaded Western Conference and adds another obstacle in the Winnipeg Jets path should they qualify for the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
The return to Calgary includes defenseman Zach Whitecloud, Vegas 2027 first round pick, a conditional 2027 second round pick that escalates to a 2026 first rounder if the Golden Knights win the Stanley Cup, and the rights to unsigned defenseman Abram Wiebe. The Flames are also retaining 50 per cent of Andersson salary for the remainder of the season.
While Winnipeg was not directly linked to Andersson, his landing spot is significant. Rather than a top defenseman leaving the Western Conference or landing in the Eastern Conference, Andersson joins a Vegas team that the Jets could realistically face in a postseason matchup. The deal removes one of the best defensemen from the trade market while simultaneously reinforcing a direct conference rival.
The timing only adds to the challenge for Winnipeg. Central Division heavyweights Dallas, Colorado, and Minnesota have all made notable moves and increasingly resemble legitimate Stanley Cup contenders. Now Vegas, already among the league’s deepest and most battle tested teams, adds a proven top four blueliner with offensive upside and playoff experience.
Despite playing on a middle to bottom tier Flames team, Andersson has quietly put together a strong season. The 27 year old has recorded 10 goals and 19 assists for 29 points in 47 games, along with a plus one rating.
A former 46 point defenseman, Andersson has consistently produced between 30 and 40 points per season while logging heavy minutes against top competition. He brings a reliable two way game, physicality, and puck moving ability that translate well to playoff hockey.
For Vegas, the move signals an all in approach as they gear up for another deep postseason run. For the Jets, it is another reminder of how narrow the margin is in the West. Any potential Winnipeg dark horse Stanley Cup push now looks even more complicated with yet another conference rival getting stronger at the deadline.
If the Jets are to navigate a brutal Western Conference playoff picture, they will likely need to rely on internal growth, elite goaltending, and timely performances, because the arms race around them shows no signs of slowing down.
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According to TSN insider Darren Dreger, the Calgary Flames have traded defenseman Rasmus Andersson to the Vegas Golden Knights, a move that reshapes the trade market and represents a missed opportunity for the Detroit Red Wings.
The return to Calgary includes defenseman Zach Whitecloud, Vegas’s 2027 first-round pick, a conditional 2027 second-round pick that escalates to a 2026 first-rounder if the Golden Knights win the Stanley Cup, and the rights to unsigned defenseman Abram Wiebe.
The Golden Knights do not have a contract extension in place with Andersson, and the Flames are retaining 50 per cent of his salary for the remainder of the season.
The deal takes one of the top available defensemen off the market. Detroit was among the teams believed to be in the mix for Andersson, who had drawn significant league-wide interest as one of the most attractive blueliners potentially available via trade.
Despite playing on a middle to bottom tier Flames team, Andersson has delivered strong results this season. The 27 year old has produced 10 goals and 19 assists for 29 points in 47 games, along with a plus one rating.
A former 46 point defenseman, Andersson has consistently posted between 30 and 40 points per season while logging heavy minutes. He brings a physical element, reliability, and steady two way play that appealed to teams looking to strengthen their blue line.
For Vegas, the move adds a proven top four defenseman with offensive upside and playoff experience to an already deep roster as the Golden Knights gear up for another postseason run.
For Detroit, missing out on Andersson is a notable setback. The Red Wings have been actively exploring upgrades on defense as they push to solidify their roster and remain competitive in the playoff race.
While Andersson is no longer an option, Detroit continues to monitor the market for other opportunities to address its blue line needs.
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21-year-old forward prospect Rutger McGroarty - who has been out since Jan. 7 with a concussion - was activated from injured reserve Monday. He was subsequently optioned to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (WBS), Pittsburgh's AHL affiliate.
In addition, forward Joona Koppanen was recalled from WBS to fill out the final spot on the Penguins' active roster, meaning the team will carry 14 forwards, seven defensemen, and two goaltenders on their Western road trip this week.
"Nothing's changed in terms of status or anything else," head coach Dan Muse clarified about Karlsson. "But, obviously, anytime somebody hasn't been out there for team practice, even when it is coming in as non-contact, it's another step."
With his AHL assignment, McGroarty will have a chance to get regular playing time in the top-six for WBS. With the Penguins' current lineup gelling pretty well at the NHL level, it was unlikely that McGroarty would have seen much playing time had he stuck around. He has two goals and three points in 16 NHL games and four goals and seven points in five AHL games this season.
Koppanen, 27, has been up for a few stints with the NHL club this season, registering one assist to go along with a minus-1 in 10 games. In 22 AHL games, he has put up six goals and 11 points.
The Pittsburgh Penguins have announced that they have activated forward Rutger McGroarty from injured reserve and have assigned him to their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins.
The Penguins also shared that they have recalled forward Joona Koppanen from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.
McGroarty has played in 16 games this season with Pittsburgh, where he has recorded two goals and one assist. This is after he had one goal and three points in his first eight career NHL games this past season with Pittsburgh.
Down in the AHL with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton this campaign, McGroarty has posted four goals and seven points in five games. Now, after being reassigned to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, the 2022 first-round pick will be looking to make a big impact with the AHL squad.
Koppanen, on the other hand, has recorded one assist, four blocks, and nine hits in 10 games this season with Pittsburgh. Down in the AHL with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton this campaign, he has posted six goals, five assists, and 11 points in 22 games.
The Penguins are set to face off against the Seattle Kraken in their next contest on Jan. 19.
The Penguins have recalled forward Joona Koppanen from the @WBSPenguins (AHL).
Forward Rutger McGroarty has been activated from Injured Reserve and re-assigned to WBS. pic.twitter.com/LsNSCgHPuN
Trade talk has never been higher this season for the Vancouver Canucks. Despite already dealing franchise star defenceman Quinn Hughes, Vancouver looks as though they’re set on moving on from more of their players as they prepare to transition into rebuild status. No player has been made safe from trade talk regardless of their position and tenure with the team.
Earlier today on his podcast, 32 Thoughts, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman mused about the possibility of Filip Hronek moving on from the organization if he decides to work with his no-move clause. This message got the attention of well-known NHL player agent Allan Walsh, who also happens to be Hronek’s agent. Via a post on X, Walsh cleared the air on Hronek’s status with the Canucks and how both the organization and the player feel about any possible trades.
“This is just wasted air. Great players are in demand everywhere. But the NHL is not fantasy hockey. Why bring up players that are not available for trade? Vancouver management and coaches are happy with Fil and Fil has no interest in going anywhere else,” the post reads.
Hronek has stepped up massively since Hughes’ departure. The defenceman is now wearing an ‘A’ for Vancouver and ranks second on the team in points with three goals and 24 assists. He is set to play in his 500th NHL game on Monday when the Canucks take on the New York Islanders.
While Canucks President of Hockey Operations Jim Rutherford did explain that “it’s [their] duty to take calls on everyone,” management has shied away from making Hronek available in recent history. Towards the end of November, management had shared that Hronek was “unlikely to go anywhere” despite the Canucks claiming they were open to moving on from their veteran players. With that being said, Hughes was the other player that Vancouver had claimed was “not their priority” to trade — so take that as you will.
Jan 2, 2026; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Canucks defenseman Filip Hronek (17) handles the puck against the Seattle Kraken in overtime at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-Imagn Images
Make sure you bookmark THN's Vancouver Canucks site and add us to your favourites on Google News for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more. Also, don't forget to leave a comment at the bottom of the page and engage with other passionate fans through our forum. This article originally appeared on The Hockey News.
For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free. Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com or creating your own post in our community forum.
This week The Hockey Show featured one of the more surprising teams in the NHL this year.
In addition to their usual attention paid to the happenings of the Florida Panthers, THS co-hosts Roy Bellamy and David Dwork welcomed Shawn DePaz to the show.
Sean is the producer for the What Chaos! podcast and he’s also a massive Buffalo Sabres fan.
The Sabres just happen to the hottest team in the league, currently holding a playoff spot and looking to end the team’s 14-year postseason drought.
This week’s show also saw the boys discuss the disaster that is the New York Rangers and touched on some numbers that were retired in Detroit and Boston.
Wins and fails of the week included a player showing up to a game dressed as Batman, an unbelievably ridiculous assist by Abbey Murphy for the University of Minnesota, a collective wardrobe choice by a team visiting the White House and a poorly timed decision by Oilers goalie Tristian Jarry.
As a bonus this week, Roy's daughter Claire was in studio with us to record the show. She may or may not have taken over the telestrator at one point.
You can check out the full show and interview in the videos below:
The NHL Department of Player Safety announced on Sunday that Nashville Predators forward Steven Stamkos had been fined $2,500 for unsportsmanlike conduct towards an opponent while on the bench.
During Saturday's game, Golden Knights defenseman Jeremy Lauzon hit Predators forward Jonathan Marchessault, dumping him into the Predators' bench.
While trying to get back into the play, Stamkos stuck the blade of his stick under Lauzon's visor and in his face.
It's been disputed that Stamkos was trying to keep Marchessault's skate blade away from Lauzon's face. Ryan O'Reilly also shoved Lauzon from the bench during the altercation.
The irony of the situation is that Lauzon spent four seasons with the Predators and was traded to Vegas this past offseason for Nicolas Hague. Marchessault spent seven seasons with the Golden Knights before signing with the Predators in the 2024 offseason.
The Predators lost to the Golden Knights, 7-2.
This is the third time in his career that Stamkos has been fined by the NHL. On Nov. 23, 2017, he was fined $5,000 for unsportsmanlike conduct after spraying a water bottle at a referee.
On March 21, 2018, Stamkos was fined $5,000 for a dangerous trip against Toronto Maple Leafs' defenceman Morgan Rielly.
Stamkos has never been suspended. This is the first time this season a Nashville Predators player has been fined by the league.
The Nashville Predators will host the Buffalo Sabres next on Tuesday at Bridgestone Arena at 7 p.m. CST
"I think Leevi (Merilainen) made some good saves,” Sanderson stated when asked about the performance of the goaltending. “But, at the end of the day, you’ve got to make more than 10 saves to win the game.”
After a tough home loss to Montreal, Jake Sanderson, who's normally reserved in his post game comments, voiced his displeasure about goaltending and "playing an away game at home."
It would not count on the stat sheet, but it was one of the few shots that Merilainen faced Saturday night.
The 23-year-old goaltender allowed six goals on 19 shots. According to Natural Stat Trick’s game log, the Senators held the Canadiens to seven five-on-five shots, with the remaining shots occurring on the power play, while the Canadiens had an empty net, or in overtime.
Staked to a two-goal lead with less than five minutes left in the game, the Senators had complete control.
The loss created a unique situation for Sanderson.
Jake Sanderson is not typically at the forefront of candid commentary after difficult losses. Usually, when the Senators experience these types of games, the burden falls on the captain, Brady Tkachuk, or on other well-regarded veterans like Claude Giroux or Thomas Chabot.
The reason for that is two-fold. These players are part of the designated leadership group within the Senators’ room, but they are also comfortable in front of microphones and known for offering lengthy, measured reflections on the game.
It is not that Sanderson is incapable of doing that, but he often feels reserved. There is an enthusiasm for the game and the sport, but the defenceman never veers out of his lane.
Which is why Saturday night’s comment resonates so much.
It was blunt and unadulterated honesty.
In an organization that keeps its cards close to its chest, refusing to disclose lineups or the starting goaltender ahead of last night’s game, Sanderson said what everyone was thinking out loud.
After the game, I am sure Sanderson would have apologized to Merilainen for publicly calling out the goaltending, but I hope his comments last night do not dissuade him from being candid in the future.
His frustration is palpable and for good reason. His team’s season hangs in the balance simply because they have not gotten enough saves.
In the last 30 years, no team in the NHL has experienced a lower save percentage than the Senators’ current .865 save percentage. To find a worse mark, you would have to go back a couple of years earlier to the Senators’ first two seasons after they rejoined the NHL.
Keep in mind that the 1992-93 Senators were one of the worst teams in NHL history, winning just 10 of 84 games. Only the 1974-75 Washington Capitals have had a lower recorded points percentage (.131) than that inaugural Senators team (.143).
When asked to assess Merilainen’s performance last night, head coach Travis Green took issue with the goaltending, but did so while showing some empathy.“
It’s hard to give (Merilainen) a pass,” admitted head coach Travis Green. “Six goals on 18 shots and I’m sure he’d like to have one or two back, but I feel bad for him.”
It has to be tough for Merilainen, who has been thrust into the spotlight following Linus Ullmark’s decision to take a leave of absence from the team. Last night was his 11th consecutive start, a string of games born out of necessity because Ullmark’s absence and the lack of confidence the organization obviously has in the alternatives who have been recalled from Belleville.
After last night’s loss, Merilainen has -14.22 goals saved above expected metric through 20 appearances. Only the St. Louis Blues’ Jordan Binnington (-14.82 GSAx) has a lower mark, and he has played in seven more games.
Goalie is a volatile position, and the condensed schedule in this Olympic year probably has not helped, as Merilainen does not have much time between appearances to refine the technical aspects of his game. If bad habits or a shaky confidence creep into his game, the opportunity for them to bleed into his next start is real, given the team's schedule of playing every other night.
After two consecutive wins over the Canucks and Rangers, the hope was that Merilainen could build off those games and continue to tighten up his game.
Last night’s effort was disastrous, however.
The good news is that Green acknowledged in his postgame media availability that the plan was for Linus Ullmark to travel with the team on their three-game road trip through Detroit, Columbus, and Nashville. That may not mean he is on the verge of playing, but he has skated and practiced with his team these past few days.
Once Ullmark returns, the Senators should return Merilainen to Belleville to get his game and swagger back.
The expectation is that James Reimer will make his Senators debut on Sunday afternoon in Detroit. Despite the fact that he has not played in an NHL game since last April, the organization needs to see what they have.
“It’s a little bit frustrating,” Green acknowledged last night while describing the pattern of losing games where they outplay the opposition. “But, I give our team a lot of credit. They are battling. They are playing good hockey. Our goalies have not been at their best, and we know that. Our team is still bringing it.”
With a new and veteran goaltender likely making his debut, Green will need his players to continue to bring that fight and resiliency on Sunday (5 pm at Detroit).
Graeme Nichols The Hockey News Ottawa
This story is from The Hockey News Ottawa. You can visit the site here or click on one of their latest articles below:
The Detroit Red Wings have stayed hot with another exciting win, knocking off the San Jose Sharks on Friday, and they will continue their homestand with a late-afternoon matchup against the Ottawa Senators as the visitors arrive in the Motor City.
Over their last 21 games, Detroit is tied with the Buffalo Sabres for the most points in the NHL, posting an impressive 15-5-1 record during that stretch. Defense has been the backbone of this run, as the Red Wings have allowed just 2.43 goals per game, aided by several strong performances from goaltender John Gibson, who could get the start again against Ottawa.
The Senators, meanwhile, are trying to steady their season after going 4-6-2 over their last 12 games, though they have shown signs of improvement by winning two of their last three. This will be the second meeting between the division rivals this season, with Detroit earning a road victory in the first matchup in Ottawa.
Now the Senators will look to return the favor on the road, even though recent history has oddly favored Ottawa. In the past 11 meetings between the teams, the Senators have won eight times and have taken six of their last eight games in Detroit.
This Red Wings group, however, looks different. Revitalized and confident, Detroit is aiming to put past struggles against Ottawa behind them while extending their current surge. For the Senators, offense has been hard to come by during their recent skid, although defenseman Jake Sanderson has helped spark the attack with two goals and four assists over his last two games, making him a key player to watch.
Detroit will look to keep its top talent rolling, with Lucas Raymond back on the first line and contributing immediately, while Alex DeBrincat continues to produce on the second line. Together, the two have combined for 21 points over the last 21 games, averaging a point per game during the team’s hot streak.
All signs point to an entertaining and high-profile matchup, with the expected goaltending duel featuring Detroit’s John Gibson against an Ottawa crease that has struggled recently. Former Red Wings goalie James Reimer could be tasked with stabilizing the Senators’ net despite limited action this season and recent time spent in the AHL preparing for Sunday’s contest.
Detroit Red Wings’ Expected Line Combinations vs Ottawa (Sunday):
van Riemsdyk – Larkin – Raymond
DeBrincat – Copp – Kane
Kasper – Compher – Finnie
Soderblom – Rasmussen – Appleton
Edvinsson – Seider
Chiarot – Sandin-Pellikka
Johansson – Benard-Docker
Gibson
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Sabres Get Massive Night From Thompson In Win Over Habs – And That's What They Need More OfBuffalo Sabres star winger Tage Thompson had a season-best performance against the Montreal Canadiens. And the Sabres need consistent brilliance from Thompson to secure their playoff spot.
