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After falling to the Tampa Bay Lightning on Tuesday, the Detroit Red Wings are eager to get back in the win column. They enter Thursday night's contest with a 7-6-3 record, well aware of the challenge that awaits them on the ice.
The Vegas Golden Knights have been one of the NHL's stronger teams through the first month of the season, posting a 10-5-2 record and carrying momentum from a victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins on Tuesday.
Detroit's most pressing concern is in goal. John Gibson suffered a lower-body injury against Tampa Bay and was forced to leave after the first period. In his absence, the Red Wings are turning to Daniil Tarasov, who has been statistically more effective in the early going. The 27-year-old netminder has another opportunity to take over the starting role, and if his strong play continues, there could be questions about giving him a bigger workload once Gibson returns. The team also recalled Michal Postava from the Grand Rapids Griffins under emergency conditions for the second time this season; Postava has impressed at the NHL level, giving Detroit confidence that the net is in good hands.
Up front, the Red Wings are making adjustments. Nate Danielson is expected to return and will center the third line between Michael Rasmussen and J.T. Compher. John Leonard, who was recalled from Grand Rapids earlier in the week to provide depth, will be a healthy scratch. Detroit is still without Marco Kasper (upper body) and Mason Appleton (undisclosed), but head coach McLellan indicated that both forwards might return during the team's upcoming road trip, which would provide a boost.
Key Analysis
This game represents a significant test for Detroit's defense and goaltending. The Golden Knights have averaged 3.35 goals per game while allowing just 2.82. Lucas Raymond will be key for the Red Wings; his offense has taken off lately, with six goals and six assists over his last eight games. A victory on Thursday would prove progress and the ability to overcome injuries and lineup uncertainty.
Projected Lineup:
Forwards: Alex DeBrincat – Emmitt Finnie – Viktor Arvidsson; Michael Brandsegg-Nygard – Andrew Copp – Lucas Raymond; Michael Rasmussen – Nate Danielson – J.T. Compher; Carter Mazur – Sheldon Dries – Keegan Kolesar
Defense: Ben Chiarot – Moritz Seider; William Wallinder – Justin Faulk; Andreas Englund – Anton Johansson
Goaltender: Daniil Tarasov (projected starter), Michal Postava (backup)
Scratches: Axel Sandin-Pellikka, John Leonard
Injured: John Gibson (lower body), Marco Kasper (upper body), Mason Appleton (undisclosed), Albert Johansson (undisclosed)
Suspended: Dylan Larkin
Game Information:
Date: Thursday, November 5, 2026
Puck Drop: 7 p.m. ET
Location: Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, Michigan
TV/Streaming: Detroit SportsNet (DSN), SCRIPPS
Radio: 97.1 FM