The Detroit Red Wings and Boston Bruins are set to square off again Tuesday night in the back half of a home-and-home series - and if the first game was any indication, we’re in for another physical, high-stakes battle between two teams trying to steady the ship.
Detroit dropped the first leg in a shootout, extending a frustrating stretch that’s seen them drop two straight at home. The Wings are looking to rediscover their early-season edge, and there’s a clear sense of urgency in the locker room.
Meanwhile, Boston isn’t exactly cruising either. The Bruins have gone 4-5-0 in their last nine and are searching for consistency, particularly in the defensive zone.
These two teams just saw each other, and that familiarity often breeds intensity. Expect the hits to keep coming, the pace to stay high, and neither side to give an inch. Both clubs are trying to correct recent lapses - and they know they’re staring down a divisional rival with playoff implications down the line.
Depth Stepping Up in Detroit
One of the bright spots for Detroit lately has been the emergence of secondary scoring. Michael Rasmussen has quietly put together a nice little run, notching three points over his last two games.
He’s been effective in the bottom six, where he’s found some chemistry with J.T. Compher - who’s also chipped in three points over his last three outings.
That kind of depth production is exactly what Detroit needs right now as their top guns try to shake off some rust.
Patrick Kane, still settling into his role with the Red Wings, is looking to snap an eight-game goal drought. Detroit’s banking on his veteran presence and offensive instincts to kick in soon. He’ll be skating alongside Alex DeBrincat and Andrew Copp, a line that has the potential to generate offense if they can find some cohesion.
One player who’s consistently shown up against Boston? Lucas Raymond.
He’s registered points in seven straight games against the Bruins - a streak that speaks to both his skill and his knack for showing up in big moments. He’ll be on the top line with Dylan Larkin and Robby Fabbri, a trio that needs to set the tone early.
Bruins Still Dangerous Despite Slump
Boston may be wobbling a bit, but they’re still a tough out - and recent history favors them in this matchup. The Bruins have taken four of the last five meetings with Detroit, and these games tend to be tight, low-scoring affairs. That leans into Boston’s comfort zone, especially if they can control the tempo and limit Detroit’s transition game.
Morgan Geekie has been heating up lately, particularly when facing the Red Wings, and Pavel Zacha continues to be one of the more underrated contributors in Boston’s lineup. Neither is flashy, but both are effective - the kind of players who can tilt the ice with smart, disciplined play.
Goalie Matchup Worth Watching
Between the pipes, we’ve got a compelling goaltending duel. Cam Talbot is expected to start for Detroit, and he’s had solid career numbers against the Bruins.
On the other side, Jeremy Swayman has been a steady presence for Boston and has shown the ability to steal games when needed. Both netminders are capable of turning this into a goalie battle - and given the recent trend of low-scoring affairs between these two, that wouldn’t be a surprise.
Projected Red Wings Lineup vs. Bruins (Tuesday):
Forwards:
- Finnie - Larkin - Raymond
- DeBrincat - Copp - Kane
- Kasper - Danielson - Soderblom
- Rasmussen - Compher - Berggren
Defense:
- Edvinsson - Seider
- Chiarot - Sandin-Pellikka
- Johansson - Hamonic
Goaltender:
- Talbot
This one has all the ingredients for a classic early-season tone-setter - two proud teams, both trying to snap out of funks, with playoff positioning already starting to matter. Expect a fast, physical game with plenty of emotion. And don’t be surprised if it comes down to one bounce - or one big save - late in the third.