Prime opportunity: Detroit Red Wings activate ‘Big Boy Pants’ mode for matchup against Oilers
The Detroit Red Wings are buoyed by their recent success, having swept their California road trip for the first time since their Stanley Cup-winning season in 2008. With three consecutive victories over the San Jose Sharks, Los Angeles Kings, and Anaheim Ducks, Detroit has reinvigorated its playoff aspirations in the tightly-contested Eastern Conference. However, the upcoming challenge at home against the formidable offense of the Edmonton Oilers poses another demanding test for the team.
The Oilers come to town on a hot streak
The Oilers endured a challenging start to the season, reminiscent of the struggles Detroit faced in the month of December. However, after parting ways with head coach Jay Woodcroft and appointing Kris Knoblauch, Edmonton has experienced a remarkable turnaround with a stellar record of 18-6, including an impressive eight-game winning streak.
And unsurprisingly, superstar Connor McDavid is once again leading the way with an impressive 55 points in the 35 games that he’s played.
Tomorrow’s game poses a significant challege
The upcoming game at Little Caesars Arena presents a significant challenge for the Red Wings, testing their ability to sustain the positive momentum generated by their three-game winning streak on the California road trip, according to head coach Derek Lalonde.
“We’re trying to improve in our process a little bit, not give up easy offense, defend a little better and this is obviously a very good contest,” Lalonde said. “Eight in a row, that’s very hard to do in this league. You knew with the type of team and the talent, you just look at their lineup and you start processing and thinking it through, you look at the depth and how they’re built, this will be a really good challenge for us.”
Alex Lyon ready to help Detroit Red Wings activate ‘big boy pants’ mode
Goaltender Alex Lyon, making a mark in his first season with Detroit and assuming the role of the de facto starter in the absence of the injured Ville Husso, emphasizes that the Red Wings must don their ‘big boy pants’ in anticipation of the impending challenge.
“Obviously (McDavid is) one of the most dangerous shooters, one of the best all-around players, and they’ve got other good players,” Lyon said. “We got to put our big boy pants on and see where we’re at.”
Alex Lyon’s upcoming start tomorrow will mark his sixth consecutive appearance. His impressive performance in goal has garnered the trust of both teammates and coaching staff, reminiscent of his impact last season as part of the Florida Panthers.
TL;DR (too long didn’t read)
- The Detroit Red Wings swept their recent California road trip for the first time since their Stanley Cup-winning season in 2008 thanks to victories over the San Jose Sharks, Los Angeles Kings, and Anaheim Ducks
- They return home to Little Caesars Arena to face the Edmonton Oilers, who have won 8 in a row. Goaltender Alex Lyon will make his 6th straight start between the pipes.
- Derek Lalonde and Alex Lyon state that they are looking forward to the challenge of facing the streaking Oilers, and that they must put on their ‘big boy pants’.
Bottom Line: Can Detroit continue its momentum?
December was a challenging month for Detroit, but with their three-game winning streak in California, they’ve quickly turned things around. A victory tomorrow night against the Oilers, who are on an eight-game winning streak, would be significant for the Red Wings.
Tomorrow’s game is scheduled to start at 7:00 PM, and fans can catch the action on Bally Sports Detroit for television coverage and tune in to 97.1 The Ticket for radio coverage.
