The Detroit Red Wings get set for a very important matchup with an Original Six rival on Thursday night, as they will be welcoming the Montreal Canadiens to Hockeytown. The Red Wings were on a bit of a slide as they returned to Little Caesars Arena on Monday night.

The Detroit Red Wings played a strong third period Monday, a sign they understand how vital points are in their quest for the Stanley Cup playoffs.

Montreal Canadiens (37-20-10, in the Atlantic Division) vs. Detroit Red Wings (37-23-8, in the Atlantic Division) Detroit; Thursday, 7 p.m. EDT. BOTTOM LINE: The Montreal Canadien

DETROIT – Missing their top two centers including their captain for possibly several more games, the Detroit Red Wings need somebody to take charge of their struggling offense. Patrick Kane and Alex DeBrincat did just that on Monday.

Earlier this season, the Detroit Red Wings were the best team in the Eastern Conference, but they've slipped significantly since then, and Detroit's playoff hopes could be in jeopardy. Can the Red Wings steer away from a potential disastrous finish?

Lucas Raymond scored the equalizer with 3:26 remaining in the 3rd to send it to OT as the Wings nabbed a point in a 3-2 loss.

DETROIT – Detroit Red Wings forward Lucas Raymond carried the puck into the offensive zone during a two-on-one early in Monday’s game and passed it to David Perron. Raymond must not have seen coach Todd McLellan’s comments before the game.

Despite a brutal start, the Detroit Red Wings can still show they're not the same fragile team in March as they have been in recent years.

Skubal rocks Larkin's gold medal jersey, uniting Detroit stars and sports pride on the World Baseball Classic stage.