Preview: Red Wings face Avalanche for Black History Night on Wednesday

The Detroit Red Wings will return to action on Wednesday, hosting one of the top teams in the NHL on Hockey is For Everyone: Black History Night at Little Caesars Arena.
Detroit will look to even the season series against Colorado, after the Avalanche bested the Red Wings, 7-3, on Dec. 10 at Ball Arena. The Avs combined for six goals in the first two periods and had 14 players tally at least one point in the game.

According to Red Wings coach Jeff Blashill, Wednesday's contest will be another measuring stick to gauge where Detroit stands against one of the NHL's top clubs.
"They'll be a great challenge for us, but that's what we want," Blashill said. "We wanna see where we stack up against teams like this, and the only way to show what you got is to go out and play against the best."

The last time the Red Wings took the ice six days ago, Detroit (23-22-6) earned a 3-2 shootout win over the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden. Goalie Thomas Greiss made 37 saves, and Pius Suter scored in the sixth round of the shootout to clinch the win.
"We've played good lately. It was a big win in New York our last game," Gustav Lindstrom said. "I think we have a good feeling right now and we can beat every team in the league."

The Western Conference-leading Avalanche (36-10-4) are coming off a 5-1 loss to the Boston Bruins on Monday. Nazem Kadri currently ranks fifth in the NHL with 63 points and paces Colorado with 42 assists. Mikko Rantanen is seventh in the league with 59 points, and Cale Makar has two goals and 10 assists in the last 10 games.
Darcy Kuemper turned aside 37 shots in his last start against Detroit and has a 25-6-2 record with a 2.47 goals-against average this season.

Red Wings set to host Black History Night

Black History will be celebrated Wednesday night when the Red Wings host the Avalanche.
As part of an immersive experience for all fans in attendance, 2022 Black History Month Game Changers will be honored. In partnership with Comerica Bank, this year's recipients will receive $1,000 grant dedicated to the charity of their choice during a pregame reception.
Fans are also encouraged to visit the Black Hockey History Exhibit outside the MotorCity Casino Club near PORTAL 8 on the Via concourse to celebrate the history of Black players who have donned the Winged Wheel.
For more information about this exciting night,
Click Here
.

Blashill updates statuses of Larkin, Namestnikov

After Wednesday's morning skate, Blashill said Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin will be a game-time decision. Larkin had exited Tuesday's practice after suffering an undisclosed injury.
Blashill also said he anticipates Vladislav Namestnikov will be available to play against the Avs.