Red Wings at Sharks (game 38): Lines, game thread and how to watch

San Jose is stop number one on the Red Wings’ three game swing through California. After a strong start to the season, Detroit has dropped down the playoff list in the Atlantic Division. The Red Wings sit in fifth place, three points behind the Toronto Maple Leafs, who currently sit in third place. Things don’t look much better in the race for the two wild card spots in the Eastern Conference. The New York Islanders and Tampa Bay Lightning currently hold those two places. While Detroit is just three points behind the Lightning, there are three other teams — the Washington Capitals, New Jersey Devils and Pittsburgh Penguins — sitting between the Red Wings and that second wild card spot. In other words, things aren’t looking great for Detroit’s playoff chances this season.

This is the second of two meetings between the two teams this season and you can bet that the Red Wings are still smarting from the last time they played. It was one of the more exciting games of the Sharks’ season. Down by four goals midway through the game on Dec. 7, 2023, the Sharks decided they had had enough. The team reeled off four goals of its own and the score was tied at four. Then, in overtime, Mikael Granlund played hero and scored the game winner to beat the Red Wings 6-5 for one of the more impressive regular season comebacks in recent Sharks’ memory.

The Sharks could use some of that mojo tonight. San Jose has lost eight in a row and is trying to dig out of the slump. The last loss came on New Year’s Eve, when Kaapo Kahkonen kept the game against the Colorado Avalanche from getting out of hand. The Sharks lost 3-1, but it could have been a lot worse.

Meanwhile, the Red Wings also played on New Year’s Eve, when the team lost to the formidable Boston Bruins by a score of 5-3. The Wings were in the game until the third, when Detroit was outscored 3-1. After the game, Ben Chiarot said winning those tight games is something the young team is working on.

“I think that’s kind of part of the maturation of a team, especially a young team,” Chiarot said. “Winning those tight games, knowing how to hold a lead. Those are the things we’re working on here. It takes time to know and be comfortable in how to play those games.”

San Jose Sharks lines versus the Red Wings

According to San Jose Hockey Now’s Sheng Peng, Nikita Okhotiuk will sit tonight while Kyle Burroughs will return to the lineup. Burroughs was a healthy scratch in Colorado. It also looks like Mario Ferraro is okay to play tonight. He left midway through the first period in Denver after taking a hit from Nathan MacKinnon.

While Logan Couture is practicing with the team, don’t expect him to play tonight. Meanwhile, Mackenzie Blackwood is still recovering from an illness. While he’s okay to play backup goaltender, he’s not well enough to start. Kahkonen will get the honors.

With all that in mind, here’s what the lines are expected to look like courtesy of Daily Faceoff.

Forwards
William Eklund – Tomas Hertl – Anthony Duclair
Fabian Zetterlund – Mikael Granlund – Mike Hoffman
Alexander Barabanov – Jack Studnicka – Luke Kunin
Filip Zadina – Ryan Carpenter – Justin Bailey

Defensemen
Mario Ferraro – Ty Emberson
Henry Thrun – Jan Rutta
Calen Addison – Kyle Burroughs

Goaltenders
Kaapo Kahkonen
Mackenzie Blackwood

Detroit Red Wings lines in San Jose

On the Detroit side of the ice, San Jose fans will get another chance to see Patrick Kane in action. You may remember that Kane made his return to the NHL on Dec. 7 against the Sharks. This may also be his chance to show he can contribute against a former Western Conference foe.

James Reimer will also be in attendance, though whether he’ll be in net or on the bench is yet to be seen. Reimer didn’t leave on the best of terms with Sharks fans, so it will be interesting to see what kind of reception he receives in his first game back to the Shark Tank since then.

Here’s what the lines are expected to look like courtesy of Daily Faceoff.

Forwards
David Perron – Dylan Larkin – Lucas Raymond
Alex DeBrincat – JT Compher – Patrick Kane
Michael Rasmussen – Andrew Copp – Christian Fischer
Robby Fabbri – Joe Veleno – Daniel Sprong

Defensemen
Jake Walman – Moritz Seider
Ben Chiarot – Justin Holl
Olli Maatta – Shayne Gostisbehere

Goaltenders
Alex Lyon
James Reimer

How to watch Detroit Red Wings at San Jose Sharks Jan. 2, 2024

For Sharks fans, the game will air on NBCSCA. It will also stream on ESPN+, though blackout restrictions may apply. If you’re listening, you can listen on the Sharks & SAP Center app or use this link: sjsharks.com/listen.

The Red Wings fans can watch the game on Bally Sports Detroit or listen on 97.1 FM The Ticket.

Puck drop is at 7:30 p.m. PT/10:30 p.m. ET at SAP Center.

Be sure to check back here at game time for the community chat about the game.