PREVIEW: Red Wings host Maple Leafs Saturday for 2023-24 preseason finale

DETROIT – The Detroit Red Wings will conclude their 2023-24 preseason schedule Saturday night against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Little Caesars Arena.

Puck drop is set for 7 p.m., and the game will air on Bally Sports Detroit.

After dressing a younger lineup in Thursday’s 4-3 overtime road loss to the Maple Leafs, Detroit is expected to treat Saturday’s matchup as a dress rehearsal for its regular-season opener Oct. 12 at New Jersey.

“You want to keep buttoning up the structure and some habits we have,” Red Wings head coach Derek Lalonde said. “But to start getting emotionally engaged, I told the guys we’re not good enough to just turn it on and off. Some other teams in this league are. I want it turned on for (Saturday).”

Ben Chiarot, who had an assist in 18:37 of ice time against Toronto on Thursday, said Detroit’s preseason finale is another great opportunity for the club to build chemistry.

“Get your pairs and lines together,” Chiarot said. “Get everyone out there with who they’re going to be playing with. It’s a dress rehearsal for us, so it’s good to get out there with your partners.”

The second half of the home-and-home preseason set against Toronto is also the last chance for players to prove they belong on the Red Wings’ 23-man Opening Night roster, which is due Monday by 5 p.m. ET.

“Three goalies are on the table,” Lalonde said. “13 forwards and eight D. Everything is on the table.”

Lalonde said the eight-game preseason slate, while challenging at times, has been beneficial in the player evaluation process.

“It’s felt that way this year,” Lalonde said. “To get more looks at guys and get more games for some young guys. I’m sure if you talk to any one of our guys, it feels long.”