Thomas' Three Storylines - WPG @ DET

MICHIGAN BUMP
While the numbers of Michigan born members of the Jets have dwindled over the years, it's hard to ignore the success of the likes of Connor Hellebuyck and Kyle Connor when they play here in Detroit in front of friends and family. Last year, the Jets knocked off the Red Wings 3-0 at Little Caesar's Arena with three Michigan products being named the three stars. First star was Andrew Copp (2G), second star Hellebuyck (33 saves) and the third star was Connor (1G, 1A).

VILLE IN, SAMBERG OUT
Ville Heinola will replace Dylan Samberg on the backend this evening for the Jets. Heinola will pair with Nate Schmidt. The coaching staff has really liked Heinola's last three games and he did a lot of the things that they have been asking him to do since training camp. With Schmidt back in the lineup, it will likely be a revolving door of Heinola, Samberg and Kyle Capobianco for the sixth d-man spot.
FACING COPP AND CHIAROT
Two former faces will be in the Red Wings lineup tonight in Copp and Ben Chiarot, with both signing in Detroit during the off-season. Copp went out for dinner with former roommate Mark Scheifele last night and told the local media he's just starting to feel comfortable as a Red Wing recently. This will be the first time Scheifele has played against Copp since he was traded to New York last season, Scheifele was not in the lineup when Winnipeg played at Madison Square Garden in April. Copp is centering the Wings second line with Michael Rasmussen and Jonatan Berggren. Chiarot is on the Wings second defence pairing alongside Filip Hronek.