The Red Wings and Canadiens were set for another look at their lineups before puck drop, and the biggest note for Detroit was that Tarasov is projected to make his first start for the club. Tarasov stepped in after Gibson was replaced in the second period Friday and stopped eight shots over the final 25:55 of a 6-3 loss to the Seattle Kraken.
That performance gave Detroit a quick glimpse of Tarasov in game action, but this matchup would be a different test. A first start always carries extra weight, especially after a team is coming off a loss and looking for a steadier result in goal. For the Red Wings, it also adds another layer to a night already shaped by lineup questions and injury-related changes.
Red Wings projected lineup context
Before the game, projected line combinations and injury and scratch lists were published for both teams. For Detroit, the report pointed to 11 forwards and seven defensemen, which suggested some flexibility in how the Red Wings could manage their group. Michael Brandsegg-Nygard, Emmitt Finnie, Andreas Englund and Jacob Bernard-Docker were among the names included in the available lineup picture.
The main storyline, though, was Tarasov. After coming in during the second period Friday, he now appears lined up for his first start in Detroit. That matters not just because of the opponent, but because it offers the Red Wings a chance to evaluate how he handles a bigger workload from the opening puck drop.
Canadiens dealing with injury uncertainty
The Canadiens also entered the game with multiple players on the injury report, including three listed with lower-body injuries. Before the game, Guhle was set to make his season debut after recovering from abdominal surgery, giving Montreal at least one notable return to its lineup.
With several regulars either unavailable or limited, the projected lineup reflected a team still sorting through availability. That can affect matchups, defensive pairings and how coaches deploy their depth, especially against an opponent like Detroit that was also navigating changes of its own.
In the end, the pregame report offered a clear snapshot of both sides: the Red Wings looking to reset after Friday’s 6-3 loss, and the Canadiens adjusting to injuries while getting Guhle back in the mix. For Detroit, though, the headline remains the same — Tarasov getting his first start and a chance to make a stronger impression in net.
