PREVIEW: Red Wings conclude season series against Sharks on Tuesday

DETROIT -- The Detroit Red Wings and San Jose Sharks have already played one high-scoring affair this season, which saw Detroit hold off a late surge from
San Jose to secure a 7-4 road win on Nov. 17.

And as the Red Wings (19-18-8; 46 points) prepare to face the Sharks (14-25-9; 37 points) on Tuesday night at Little Caesars Arena, head coach Derek Lalonde said his club is focusing on creating even more offensive chances.
"[Monday's practice] that was all about getting inside and to the hard area," Lalonde said. "Last time we played, we did score seven against them. But there were a couple hard-area goals in there. We're not built to be an offensive juggernaut, which is fine, but there's times our offense has stalled."
Puck drop is set for 7 p.m., with broadcast coverage on Bally Sports Detroit and the Red Wings Radio Network (97.1 The Ticket in Detroit). Tuesday's game will also mark the inaugural Faith Night at Little Caesars Arena. Matt Hammitt, a Grammy-nominated singer and songwriter, will play a pregame concert and share a testimonial for fans who purchased a special ticket package.
The Red Wings enter Tuesday's game coming off a 2-1 loss against the Philadelphia Flyers on Saturday. Lucas Raymond scored his 15th goal of the season while goalie Ville Husso made 23 saves for Detroit, which fell to 1-3-1 in its past five games.

"We'd all be lying to ourselves if we said our efforts have not been there," Lalonde said. "I know it's frustrating for the average fan because we beat Toronto and win in Vegas. Those are impressive wins for anyone, and then we can't beat Columbus or Philadelphia. Every win in the NHL is hard to do. But even through all of that, our effort has been pretty consistent."
San Jose, which currently sits in seventh place in the Central Division, has dropped five of its past seven games and is looking to rebound from a 4-0 road loss to the Boston Bruins on Sunday. The Sharks' penalty kill continues to impress this season, as its 83.5-percent success rate ranks fourth in the NHL.
Erik Karlsson, who will be San Jose's lone representative at the 2023 NHL All-Star Game, leads the Sharks in points (62) and assists (47). Timo Meier (27-20-47) has four points in the last five games, while goalies James Reimer and Kaapo Kahkonen have combined for a 3.57 goals-against average and a .882 save percentage.

Bertuzzi and Chiarot both miss Monday's practice

Tyler Bertuzzi (lower body) did not practice on Monday, and according to Lalonde, will likely not be available against San Jose.
"He did not skate today, but he's in that day-to-day [status]," Lalonde said on Monday. "I came here this morning expecting him to practice and he obviously needed another day not to practice. I'm not expecting him tomorrow."

Bertuzzi also did not play against Philadelphia. Through 15 games this season, the 27-year-old forward has one goal and four assists.
Ben Chiarot (4-9-13) missed Monday's practice due to personal reasons, but Lalonde said the 31-year-old defenseman will be available against the Sharks.