The Detroit Red Wings open their 2025–26 NHL campaign tonight at Little Caesars Arena against the Montreal Canadiens, who are playing the second half of a back-to-back after falling 5–2 to the Toronto Maple Leafs on Wednesday night.

Detroit enters with fresh legs and renewed optimism, while Montreal looks to quickly shake off an uneven start to the season.

🎬 Setting the Stage

This matchup marks the Red Wings’ home opener, a chance to build early momentum after an encouraging offseason. Detroit made one of the more notable moves of the summer by acquiring veteran goaltender John Gibson, signaling a commitment to stability in net.

For Montreal, tonight’s game is about rebounding quickly. The Canadiens started strong in Toronto, but defensive breakdowns and late penalties proved costly as they surrendered three third-period goals.

⚖️ Montreal Canadiens: Looking for Balance

The Canadiens’ 5–2 loss to Toronto wasn’t as lopsided as the score suggested. Montreal outshot the Maple Leafs 31–27 and created several quality scoring chances, but their inability to convert on special teams (0-for-2 on the power play) left opportunities on the table.

Goaltending will be under the microscope tonight. With Jake Allen expected to start after Samuel Montembeault went last night, Montreal will look for steadier play in front of the crease. The Canadiens also need more consistency from their young forward core, including Cole Caufield and Nick Suzuki, who combined for just one point in the opener.

😃 Detroit Red Wings: Fresh Start, Familiar Faces

The Red Wings are banking on a mix of experience and youth to push them forward this season. Team captain Dylan Larkin, along with Alex DeBrincat and Lucas Raymond, will once again drive Detroit’s offensive attack.

Meanwhile, the team’s prospect pool continues to feed into the lineup. Youngsters like Axel Sandin Pellikka, Michael Brandsegg-Nygard, and Emmitt Finnie are expected to contribute meaningful minutes right away.

Detroit’s power play, which finished among the league’s top units last season at 27%, could be an early difference-maker against a Canadiens penalty kill that struggled in the opener.

🏒 Key Matchups to Watch

1. Goaltending Battle

John Gibson will make his Red Wings debut against a Canadiens squad that may turn to Jake Allen. Gibson’s stability could be crucial in a game where Montreal’s goaltending remains uncertain.

2. Fatigue Factor

Montreal’s second game in as many nights adds an endurance element. Detroit, rested and playing in front of a home crowd, will likely look to push the tempo in the second and third periods.

3. Special Teams

Special teams efficiency may define the game. Detroit’s man advantage has been a strength, while Montreal is still searching for its first power-play goal of the season.

🔮Odds and Predictions

According to multiple sportsbooks, the Red Wings enter as –130 favorites with a puck line of –1.5, and the over/under set around 6.5 goals. Analysts tend to favor Detroit given the rest advantage and home-ice momentum, though some see value in Montreal keeping things close.

Expect a tight contest early, but Detroit’s depth and fresh legs could tilt the game late.

Projected Final Score: Red Wings 4, Canadiens 2

📺 How to Watch

Puck Drop: 7:00 PM ET Location: Little Caesars Arena — Detroit, Michigan Broadcast: ESPN+, Bally Sports Detroit, TSN (Canada)