Goalie Shakeup Aims to Steady the Ship
The Detroit Red Wings are looking to get back on track after a shaky start to the 2025-26 season. Following a disappointing season opener that saw starting goaltender John Gibson pulled early, the team has turned to the veteran netminder to help right the ship.
Gibson, who hasn't played since the opener, will get the nod on Friday against the Tampa Bay Lightning. The Red Wings are hoping his experience and steady presence in net can help stabilize the defense and allow their potent offense to take over.
"We can't let our guard down, especially against a tough team like Tampa," said forward Mason Appleton. "John gives us a calming influence back there, and we need to make sure we're playing a complete 60 minutes in front of him."
Offensive Firepower Fueling Hopes
Despite their early struggles, the Red Wings have shown flashes of the offensive prowess that made them a playoff contender last season. The power play, in particular, has been a bright spot, with the team scoring on the man-advantage in each of their first four games.
Veteran winger Patrick Kane praised the unit's ability to keep defenses guessing. "We've been doing a good job of moving the puck and keeping them off-balance," he said. "It's going to be important to maintain that as we look to build some momentum."
Youngster Sandin-Pellikka Impressing in Debut
One of the bright spots for the Red Wings has been the play of rookie defenseman Axel Sandin-Pellikka. The 20-year-old Swede has stepped in seamlessly, providing a solid two-way presence on the back end.
"Axel has really impressed us with his poise and decision-making," said head coach Todd McLellan. "For a young guy, he's playing with a lot of maturity and confidence, and that's exactly what we need right now."
TL;DR
- The Detroit Red Wings are turning to veteran goaltender John Gibson to help stabilize the team after a rough start to the season
- The Red Wings' power play has been a bright spot, scoring in each of their first four games
- Rookie defenseman Axel Sandin-Pellikka has been a pleasant surprise, providing a steady presence on the back end
- The Red Wings are focused on putting together a complete effort to build momentum and get their season back on track