Detroit looks to stay hot while Washington desperately seeks momentum
Patrick Kane is chasing another piece of history Thursday night as the Detroit Red Wings host the Washington Capitals in what could prove pivotal for both teams’ playoff aspirations.
Kane assisted on a goal against Los Angeles on Tuesday to tie Mike Modano’s record for career points by a U.S.-born player at 1,374. Now the Red Wings star will pursue the mark while Detroit continues its dominant stretch atop the Atlantic Division.
Capitals seek turnaround on road trip finale
The Washington Capitals arrive at Little Caesars Arena limping through the worst stretch of their season. After a promising 18-9-3 start, the team has won just seven of its last 24 games, including a deflating 5-1 loss to Seattle on Tuesday despite Alex Ovechkin’s record-breaking 919th career goal.
Forward Tom Wilson acknowledged the desperation surrounding the matchup, calling it “the biggest game of the year” and “a kick in the teeth” for the struggling franchise as they finish a six-game road trip.
“I think this is a big wake-up call coming in here and getting our (butts) handed to us,” Wilson said after Tuesday’s defeat.
Red Wings building second-half momentum
Detroit enters the contest in far different circumstances. The Red Wings sit second in the Atlantic Division with a 32-17-5 record and have already defeated Washington twice this season. John Gibson will start in goal for Detroit against the Capitals’ Charlie Lindgren.
The Capitals will be without defensemen Matt Roy and Logan Thompson due to injury, with Clay Stevenson called up from AHL Hershey as reinforcement. Game time is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET, with coverage available on ESPN+ and Hulu.
