Tip: Detroit Red Wings – can capitalize on the home opener

Detroit enters the home opener fresh, while Montreal has already battled through a demanding debut in Toronto. With Sandin Pellikka set to make his debut and a fired-up Little Caesars Arena behind them, plenty points toward the Red Wings tonight.

Detroit – young stars, offensive edge and a debut ahead

Detroit takes the ice with expectations of improving on last season and taking another step forward this year. Last season, the team stayed in the playoff race until late, and the sense is they are building something sustainable – now with the arrivals of Sandin Pellikka and Brandsegg-Nygård, both set to feature tonight. Dylan Larkin remains the team’s engine, with Lucas Raymond as his catalyst. After an 80-point season last year, Raymond is one of the most exciting Swedish names in the NHL. Add Alex DeBrincat’s scoring touch and veteran Patrick Kane’s leadership, especially on the power play, and Detroit has no shortage of firepower.

What makes the home opener extra special is the NHL debut of Axel Sandin Pellikka. The 20-year-old defenseman was one of Detroit’s standouts in preseason, praised for his hockey IQ and composure with the puck. He has already been tested on the power play and earned the trust of coach Todd McLellan. Captain Dylan Larkin has been careful not to heap too much pressure on the Swede – but the fact that he’s already viewed as an important piece says a lot.

Together with Moritz Seider and Simon Edvinsson, Sandin Pellikka represents the future of Detroit’s blue line. A trio with the potential to become the backbone of the Red Wings’ next truly successful era. The fact that his debut may come in the home opener only adds to the buzz in the arena.

Montreal – energy-draining start and questions ahead

The Canadiens put in a hardworking effort against the Leafs last night, but it was clear that the team still struggles when their top line isn’t on the ice. Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield can always generate offense, but further down the lineup Montreal still lacks stability. Oliver Kapanen was a bright spot with his first NHL goal, but it’s still a huge burden for a rookie to carry in that role.

Ivan Demidov showed flashes of why he’s considered a top rookie, but it will take time. The likely goalie rotation also works against Montreal. Montembeault was among the league’s better goaltenders last season, and while Jakub Dobeš has promise, he is not yet on his teammate’s level. Last season’s 91-point playoff berth was largely built on overperformance, despite mediocre underlying numbers, and the sense is this team could regress. The opener in Toronto was by no means disastrous, but it’s still obvious this team plays on the front foot and leaves plenty of gaps defensively – something a team like the Red Wings is well equipped to exploit.

Conclusion and betting pick

Detroit has a golden opportunity tonight: rested legs, a home opener in front of an expectant crowd, and a roster that looks both slightly deeper and sharper than a year ago. Montreal is coming off an energy-draining loss in Toronto, will likely rotate goaltenders, and still shows the same structural issues as last season. I’m not suddenly bullish on the Red Wings long term – but the circumstances tonight are favorable, and that’s something I want to take advantage of.

The betting pick: Detroit Red Wings FT at +125 with FanDuel