DETROIT – The Detroit Red Wings’ fast start, offensive outburst and consistent play until the final horn made for a fun day Saturday in a 6-1 victory over the St. Louis Blues.
They look forward to a fun night Sunday in Chicago when a pair of Blackhawks legends will be saluted.
Former Red Wings defenseman Chris Chelios is having his No. 7 retired in a pregame ceremony. Then, Patrick Kane will play his first game at the United Center after being traded to the Rangers last season and subsequently signing with Detroit in November.
Coach Derek Lalonde said he is “selfishly ecstatic” about the night (7 p.m., Bally Sports Detroit).
“It’s such an honor to be a head coach in this league; you rarely get nights and moments like that,” Lalonde said. “Cheli obviously retiring (his number) and Patrick going home. I’m going to be a very excited viewer of that on the bench. We’ll talk to the guys. Manage our emotions, stay on task. We are going to need every single point throughout 82 games. As great of a moment as tomorrow is going to be, it’s an opportunity for some points. We have to play as such.”
Alex DeBrincat, a former Blackhawk who experienced his Chicago homecoming last season while playing for Ottawa, said it will be “a fun game for everyone.”
“For Kaner to go back, he’s given them so much to cheer about and so many memories,” DeBrincat said. “I’m sure the crowd will be really loud and I’ve heard that place loud a couple of times, but this might top it all.”
Little Caesars Arena was loud, too, particularly when the Red Wings scored three times in the first six minutes and led 4-0 after the first period. DeBrincat finished with a pair of goals and an assist.
The Red Wings (31-21-6, 68 points) have won four in a row and are 14-4-2 since Jan. 1.
“We’re in a stretch of playing some really good hockey,” Lalonde said. “I think it’s more about when you’re peaking in your game, take advantage of it. And we’re doing it right now. There will be some ups and downs ahead, but we’re in a really good spot right now. Hopefully we can keep riding this.”
It was pointed out to Lalonde that Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson sounded the traditional Joe Louis Arena goal horn before the game.
“It was good karma there,” Lalonde said. “The Lions, we can probably credit them for a good 6-8 points this year. Got to thank them.”
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