Red Wings make surprising change in goal for must win gave vs Hurricanes
Photo credit: Sportsnet
The Detroit Red Wings are gearing up for a thrilling showdown against the Carolina Hurricanes tonight, and it's a must win scenario for Todd McLellan's troops. That said, the Wings' are coming off to back-to-back losses at the hands of the Columbus Blue Jackets, and Todd McLellan has made some surprising adjustements to the starting roster by giving backup goaltender Alex Lyon the nod between the pipes.
Surprisingly, tonight's matchup against the Carolina Hurricanes will be the first time these two teams face-off against each other this season.
However, the Carolina Hurricanes have been a dominant force this season, and the challenge ahead will be difficult.
Alex Lyon to start in net
After allowing 5 goals against during last Saturday's Stadium Series, it's clear that goaltender Cam Talbot is in need of a rest.
Although Talbot has been playing at a high level for the Wings', back up goaltender Alex Lyon has proven more than capable to get the job done.
After morning skate, Cam Talbot made himself available for his usual interviews, emphasizing the importance of getting the crowd involved early.
«We've been playing some really good hockey at home as of late, so hopefully we can get the crowd into it really early and often,» goalie Cam Talbot said. «And have them behind us not only for the next couple of games, but down the stretch here.»
-Cam Talbot
-Cam Talbot
Head coach Todd McLellan speaks to the challenge ahead
«They play a pressure game all over, there's nothing conservative in their game. They go the whole time. They play four lines. They close gaps on you fairly quick. They rely on everybody doing their jobs because if you play that way, everybody has to be engaged in it. [Hurricanes head coach] Rod [Brind'Amour] has done a great job in his time there of building that identity, and then they go find players that fit that mentality. It makes them a difficult team to play against.»
With the Detroit Red Wings barely hanging on to the last wildcard spot in the Eastern Conference, one cannot understate the significance of tonight's matchup.
Puck drop between Detroit (30-24-6; 66 points) and Carolina (35-22-4; 74 points) is set for 7 p.m.
Source: NHL
Previously on Red Wings Insider
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