Red Wings Host Canadiens for 2025-26 Season Opener
The wait is over, hockey’s back in the Motor City! After closing out a strong 5-3 preseason, the Detroit Red Wings open their 2025-26 campaign on Thursday night at Little Caesars Arena, hosting the Montreal Canadiens. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. EST.
How to Watch
Date: 10/09/2025
Time: 7:00 pm EST
Stadium: Little Ceasars Arena, Detroit, MI
Radio: 97.1 The Ticket, LaZ WDTW 1310AM/107.9FM, ESPN Radio (National)
Watch: FanDuel Sports Network Detroit, ESPN+ (National)
Preseason Recap: Building Momentum
Head coach Todd McLellan has plenty to feel good about after a productive preseason that mixed energy from young prospects with leadership from veterans.
Rookies Emmitt Finnie and Michael Brandsegg-Nygard turned heads with their poise and effort, while veterans Dylan Larkin, Lucas Raymond, and Alex DeBrincat provided the steady scoring and playmaking Detroit will rely on all season.
Larkin’s leadership was apparent early, driving pace and intensity, while Raymond and DeBrincat looked in sync as offensive catalysts. The Red Wings’ forward depth and balanced blue line both appear improved heading into the opener.
Scouting the Canadiens
Montreal enters the season after a 5-2 preseason loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs but remains a team that can frustrate opponents with speed and pressure. Expect Zack Bolduc, Oliver Kapanen, and veteran Brendan Gallagher to lead their offensive push.
Detroit’s defense will need to stay disciplined against Montreal’s transition game, an area that burned teams last season when the Canadiens created quick-strike chances off turnovers.
Odds:
-Spread: Detroit Red Wings -1.5 (+170)/ Montreal Canadiens +1.5 (-210)
-Money Line: Detroit Red Wings -135/ Montreal Canadiens +110
-Over/Under: 6
Odds from BetMGM current to the time of publishing
Keys to the Game
1. Veterans Set the Tone– Expect Larkin and DeBrincat to control tempo and dictate early energy in front of a packed house.
2. Rookies Under Pressure– This will be the first regular-season test for Finnie and Brandsegg-Nygard; their ability to stay composed will be crucial.
3. Defensive Discipline– Detroit’s defense and goaltending tandem must contain Montreal’s quick entries and prevent second-chance looks.
What’s at Stake
Opening night may not decide a season, but it sets the tone. For Detroit, this game is about momentum and identity, showing that the confidence built in camp can translate when it counts.
A fast start could re-energize the fanbase and establish the Red Wings as legitimate contenders in a tough Atlantic Division. Montreal, meanwhile, will try to spoil the party and prove they’re ready to take a step forward.
One thing’s certain; the buzz is back in Hockeytown, and it’s time to drop the puck.
Further Reading:
Detroit Red Wings Opening Night Roster Revealed – Detroit Sports Nation
Detroit Red Wings Uneil Centennial Uniforms for 2025-26 Season – Detroit Sports Nation
Detroit Red Wings to Honor Alex Delvecchio – Detroit Sports Nation
Dylan Larkin Talks Tigers, Fatherhood, and Red Wings Season Ahead – Detroit Sports Nation
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