Detroit Red Wings Head Coach Derek Lalonde who served as an assistant coach for Tampa helping lead them to two Stanley Cups in 2021 and 2022. Makes his return to Tampa Bay tonight as the Red Wings face off against the Lightning.  In contrast to a rivalry thats been brewing for years now, Detroit (12-7-5) is only two points behind Tampa Bay (15-8-1) in the Atlantic. Tonight’s game is much bigger than a return for Lalonde, it’s a statement game.

The Red Wings will also see a familiar face behind the Tampa bench. Former Head Coach Jeff Blashill who basically swapped positions with Derek Lalonde, taking over as an assistant with the Lightning. Blashill had an overall record of 204–261–72 in his seven year tenure with Detroit. While the team struggled and faced adversity multiple times throughout the years under Blashill. He will never get any credit for any positives that he did accomplish, due to the dark times with such a historic franchise. Ultimately Jeff was a crucial part in the development of many of the Red Wings players, one being Captain Dylan Larkin.

Red Wings Skater to Watch: Dylan Larkin

Not only is Dylan Larkin off to his best start of his career, leading the Red Wings in points with 26 ( 9G, 17A). Larkin has come up clutch multiple times throughout the season with desperation diving poke checks, shoot out winners. Always showing up in the big moments in the big games. Dating back to last season after returning from his neck injury, Dylan in his first matchup with the Lightning was ejected. And rightfully so, Mathieu Joseph of the Lightning sent Larkin into the boards head first in which Larkin immediately got up swinging. In the midst of the brewing rivalry meanwhile one the biggest games to date for the Red Wings, I look for the Captain to show out tonight.

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