Red Wings vs. New Jersey: What to Know

Game Facts

Who: Red Wings vs. New Jerey

Where: Little Caesars Arena

When: 7 p.m.

TV/Radio:  Bally Sports/97.1 FM

Records: Red Wings 8-6-3, New Jersey 8-7-1

What to Know

It’s the first game back for the Red Wings after their trip to Sweden last week. The team got only one point out of the trip, but coach Derek Lalonde was otherwise pleased. “I think we’re going to benefit from it,” he said Tuesday. “There’s a lot of positives of the team spending time together away from the usual routine. It’s really tough to judge. There’s such frustration that sits in both of those games, the way they played out. We got what we deserved. We beat ourselves in both situations. With that said there’s some pretty good things in those games. It’s just a reflection of where we’re at. ” …

Alex Lyon will start in goal tonight for the second game in a row after sitting out the first 16 games of the season. “I liked what Alex gave us,” Lalonde said. “Not fair to put Ville (Husso) in considering this was his first practice in about a week. I liked what Alex gave us, can build some confidence within the room.” ..

Lalonde also is shaking up his lines, moving Joe Veleno into the top line with Dylan Larkin and Lucas Raymond. “I wanted to elevate Veleno and (Michael Rasmussen), having their legs a little bit on the wing,” he said. “I wouldn’t read too much into the lines. You might see a lot of different combinations.” Alex DeBrincat will be on a line with Rasmussen and J.T. Compher. …

Both teams have been slumping. The Red Wings have lost four of their last five games, two in overtime, while the Devils have lost four out of five. New Jersey has a potent offense (sixth in the NHL) and struggles on defense (29th). The Devils have converted on 39% of their power plays, which leads the NHL.