PREVIEW: Red Wings host Canadiens in 2022-23 season opener

DETROIT -- The 97th season of Detroit Red Wings hockey has arrived.

The Red Wings will open the 2022-23 NHL campaign on Friday night when they host the Montreal Canadiens at Little Caesars Arena. Puck drop for Detroit's first Original Six matchup of the season is set for 7 p.m., with broadcast coverage on Bally Sports Detroit and the Red Wings Radio Network (97.1 The Ticket in Detroit).
After an offseason highlighted by several free-agent signings and the hiring of new coach Derek Lalonde, there's a sense of optimism sweeping through Hockeytown.
"I'm very excited," 46-year-old Red Wings fan Renee Bezaire said. "I think (Steve) Yzerman has been doing a great job. I think it's going to be a great season."

Detroit, which finished with a 32-40-10 record and 74 points last season, begins the 2022-23 campaign with a revamped lineup, featuring 12 different players on the Opening Night roster.
"I hope Lalonde gets the team going," 36-year-old fan Mark Hoffman said. "I'm looking forward to seeing the changes he makes, how the new guys play and how the rebuild progresses."
Captain Dylan Larkin said he anticipates a "great crowd and energy" for the Home Opener.
"It's an emotional night," Larkin said. "I think it certainly adds a little extra excitement that we've had to wait a little bit, watching hockey for the last couple of nights."

Friday's matchup is the first of four games between Detroit and Montreal this season. The Canadiens have already taken the ice once this season, and are coming off a 4-3 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs on Wednesday.

Hockeytown Red Carpet Walk returns for Opening Night

For the first time since 2019, the fan-favorite "Hockeytown Red Carpet Walk" will be hosted in Chevrolet Plaza outside Little Caesars Arena prior to Opening Night, presented by Coca-Cola and Meijer.
Red Wings players and alumni will be escorted along the official red carpet by Learn, Play, Score program youth participants CJ, Gary, Braylen, Anthony, Harol, Atiyah and Suriyah as well as Little Caesars AAA Hockey Club's 16U Boys players Stone, Bryce, DJ, Carter and Taio.

And with family-friendly outdoor activities, live music and opportunities to interact with current and former Red Wings players and much more in store for both ticketed and non-ticketed fans, Friday's festivities are an exciting way to celebrate the start of the season.
"We're excited to welcome our fans back to Little Caesars Arena, not only for Opening Night, but the entirety of the upcoming season," said Spencer Ambrosius, Senior Vice President of Ticket Sales & Service for Ilitch Sports + Entertainment. "There's a great buzz, and we know our fans will create a tremendous home-ice advantage for our new-look roster and coaching staff."
For more information on the activities planned for both inside and outside Little Caesars Arena,
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