Opinion
3 min read

Can the Red Wings Soar Against the Avalanche at Little Caesars Arena?

The Detroit Red Wings are gearing up for a clash that could very well be a defining moment in their season. With the Colorado Avalanche coming to town, fans are buzzing with anticipation and perhaps a hint of anxiety. The question on everyone's mind: Can the Red Wings maintain their home ice advantage and come out on top?


Mar 18, 2023; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Red Wings defenseman Simon Edvinsson (3) and Colorado Avalanche left wing Matt Nieto (83) fight for control of the puck during the first period at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brian Bradshaw Sevald-USA TODAY Sports

In their last encounter with Vancouver Canucks on February 10, DET showed resilience and an ability to capitalize when it mattered most. Despite being outshot 31 to 28, they managed to secure a win with a final score of 4-3, thanks in part to their power play performance which saw them netting one goal from four opportunities. Their shooting percentage stood at an impressive 14 percent compared to the Canucks' 10 percent.


However, it wasn't all smooth sailing for DET as they struggled in faceoffs, winning only 41 percent against Vancouver's superior faceoff win percentage of 59 percent. This is an area where improvement is crucial if they want to control the game against COL.


Mar 18, 2023; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Colorado Avalanche center J.T. Compher (37) raises his stick in celebration as the puck passes Detroit Red Wings goaltender Ville Husso (35) during the second period at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brian Bradshaw Sevald-USA TODAY Sports

The previous game against Ottawa Senators on February 1 was less favorable for DET as they succumbed to an overtime loss with a scoreline of 2-3. Despite this setback, there were positives; notably their goaltending which saved all but three shots out of twenty-five faced – maintaining a save percentage that kept them competitive throughout.


Looking at these past performances, it's clear that DET has shown both flashes of brilliance and areas needing refinement. The upcoming game will require them not only to leverage their strengths but also address weaknesses head-on.


Mar 18, 2023; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar (8) handles the puck against the Detroit Red Wings during the third period at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brian Bradshaw Sevald-USA TODAY Sports

COL arrives with its own set of weapons – speed and agility being among them – making this matchup one that could go either way depending on which team capitalizes on its chances effectively.


Fans should expect an intense battle where special teams could play a pivotal role once again. If DET can harness the energy from their recent victory and improve upon areas like faceoff percentages while keeping up solid goaltending and opportunistic scoring, there is every reason to believe they can triumph over COL.


As we look ahead towards February 23rd when these two teams meet at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit at midnight (UTC), fans should mark their calendars for what promises to be an exhilarating contest between two formidable opponents. For those unable or unwilling to brave the cold Michigan winter night air can catch all the action live nationally via ESPN+ or locally through BSDET channel number 663 or ALT2 channel number 681-1 for away team supporters.

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