PREVIEW: Red Wings conclude homestand on Saturday vs. Golden Knights

DETROIT -- The Detroit Red Wings will conclude a season-long five-game homestand on Saturday night, entertaining the Vegas Golden Knights at Little Caesars Arena. Puck drop is set for 7 p.m. on Bally Sports Detroit and the Red Wings Radio Network (97.1 The Ticket in Detroit).

Vegas currently leads the Western Conference with 35 points and a 17-7-1 overall record. The Golden Knights are coming off Thursday's 4-3 loss at Pittsburgh on the second game of their four-game road trip. The Red Wings sit in fourth place in the Eastern Conference's Atlantic Division (27 points; 11-6-5 overall), and will be looking to get back on the winning track after a pair of home losses.
Fans are encouraged to arrive early for Saturday's game. The first 10,000 fans will receive a Moritz Seider Bobblehead, presented by Huntington Bank.
On Wednesday against the Buffalo Sabres, Detroit dropped a 5-4 decision in a shootout.
But the Red Wings erased a 4-1 deficit and earned a point by scoring three unanswered goals in the third period.
Head coach Derek Lalonde praised his team for overcoming the deficit, something that doesn't often happen in an NHL game.
"You just don't come back from three goals in this league," Lalonde said. "I really thought the fight back started at the end of the second. Down 4-1, our guys just dug in."
Michael Rasmussen echoed Lalonde's assessment, emphasizing the group effort was at a level they can build upon.
"It was a good showing of character from all of us," Rasmussen said. "We battled back and got a point out of it. Just some small things to clean up, and I think we'll be okay."

It will be a quick turnaround for Detroit, which will play at Columbus on Sunday evening. Lalonde and the players are
remaining focused
on ending the homestand on a high note.

"We do much better, as a group, when we have a 'why' or we're in the process of something to play for," Lalonde said. "Right now, we're looking to win our homestand. We're sitting here at 2-1-1. It could be a great homestand or an okay homestand."
Reilly Smith (11-6-17) leads the NHL with three shorthanded goals, while Chandler Stephenson (6-14-20) ranks second in the league in faceoff win percentage (63.79). In Vegas' net, rookie Logan Thompson is tied for second amongst all goalies in wins with a 12-5-0 record and a 2.54 goals-against average.
Saturday's game is the first of two meetings between the clubs this season, and the only one at Little Caesars Arena. The Golden Knights will host the Red Wings at T-Mobile Arena on Jan. 19, 2023.