PREVIEW: Red Wings excited for 2023-24 home opener Saturday vs. Lightning 

DETROIT -- Lucas Raymond knows it will be a packed house Saturday night at Little Caesars Arena for the Detroit Red Wings’ 2023-24 home opener against the Tampa Bay Lightning. He also knows the energy level will be high and there will be some nerves, but the 23-year-old forward is ready for the experience.

“We’re excited for sure,” Raymond said. “It’s going to be a fun game. Every home opener so far has been amazing. The fans are unbelievable, so I think everyone is looking forward to it.”

Puck drop between Detroit (0-1-0; 0 points) and Tampa Bay (1-0-0; 2 points) is set for 7 p.m., with TV broadcast coverage on Bally Sports Detroit. Ken Kal and Paul Woods will be joined by reporter Daniella Bruce on the Red Wings Radio Network (97.1 The Ticket in Detroit).

The Red Wings began their regular-season slate Thursday, dropping a 4-3 decision at the New Jersey Devils. Eight players – J.T. Compher, Alex DeBrincat, Christian Fischer, Klim Kostin, Daniel Sprong, Shayne Gostisbehere, Justin Holl and Jeff Petry – all made their Red Wings debuts against New Jersey, combining for two goals and two assists.

“Realistically, every team in this league is really good,” Compher said. “There’s not really many off nights, so I think it was a good test for us (Thursday). I wouldn’t say we passed fully, but we did some good things.”

The Lightning won their season opener, 5-3, against the Nashville Predators on Tuesday. Nick Paul and Nikita Kucherov each scored twice, while goalie Jonas Johansson made 28 saves. Johansson has been pressed into starting duty until netminder Andrei Vasilevskiy, who underwent back surgery on Sept. 28, returns.  

“We’re excited to play Tampa (Saturday),” Compher said. “It’s always a fun game against those guys. Lots of skill and speed. Another good test for us.”

Last season, Tampa Bay finished third in the Atlantic Division with a 46-30-6 (98 points) overall record before falling to the Toronto Maple Leafs in the Eastern Conference First Round.

“No one is coming down to us,” Detroit head coach Derek Lalonde said. “We have to get to them. (Thursday) was an opportunity missed. (Saturday) is another opportunity against an elite team.”

Hockeytown Red Carpet Walk canceled

Due to an inclement weather forecast, the Hockeytown Red Carpet Walk in the Chevrolet Plaza and Budweiser Biergarten prior to Saturday’s home opener has been canceled.

All four restaurants will open at 3 p.m., and doors to Little Caesars Arena will open for ticketed fans at 5 p.m. Face painters, entertainment and photo opportunities will be available inside the Via concourse upon doors opening.

A special Opening Show will begin in the arena bowl at approximately 6:30 p.m. ahead of puck drop, so ticketed fans are encouraged to be in their seats by 6:20 p.m. All fans in attendance will receive an Opening Night rally towel.