Preview: Red Wings look to maintain momentum with Islanders in town

DETROIT --Two teams trending in opposite directions will collide at Little Caesars Arena for Saturday night hockey between the Detroit Red Wings and New York Islanders.
The Red Wings have won four consecutive games, and are on a five-game point streak. The Isles are continuing to recover from a COVID-19 outbreak that forced the postponement of two games, and enter Saturday's contest on a nine-game losing streak. New York earned a point in Thursday's 2-1 overtime loss against the San Jose Sharks.

In a season that has presented plenty of uncertainty, Red Wings coach Jeff Blashill acknowledged the importance of depth throughout the lineup.
"When you lose players, for whatever the reason might be, the degree to which you miss them always depends on how good the other guys play," Blashill said. "I thought the other night was a good step in terms of guys coming in and playing really good. So, that will continue to be critical through the season. As you know, injuries are always going to be part of it and certainly with Covid, at any point it can strike, and your player pool gets depleted."

Detroit (12-9-3) currently sits in fourth place in the Atlantic Division, three points ahead of the Boston Bruins. The Red Wings are 8-2-2 at home, and have won four straight games at Little Caesars Arena.
According to Blashill, Detroit's recent winning surge can be attributed to an especially sacrificial culture in the dressing room.
"I think on a lot of teams, guys like each other. I don't think that always produces winning results," Blashill said. "I think this group has been willing to sacrifice for each other and that does produce winning results. There's probably a difference there. I think if your group is willing to sacrifice for each other because they not only care about each other, but their want to win is so great it supersedes everything else, then you've got a chance to have a special group."

The Islanders began the 2021-22 season with 13 consecutive road games due to ongoing construction at UBS Arena, their brand-new venue that officially opened on Nov. 20.
Brock Nelson is the lone Islanders player with double-digit points, tallying 11 points on nine goals and a pair of assists. Mathew Barzal, Anthony Beauvillier, Kyle Palmieri and Josh Bailey have combined for 19 assists. Ilya Sorokin has started 14 games in goal, recording a 2.39 goals-against average and .929 save percentage.
Barry Trotz is in his fourth season guiding the Islanders. New York's 18 games are the fewest among all 32 NHL teams.

Veleno expects to be ready Saturday

Red Wings forward Joe Veleno returned to practice on Friday and expects to rejoin the lineup against the Isles.
"I think so, that's the plan," Veleno said. "I did a full practice today and felt pretty good, so we'll see tomorrow."
The 21-year-old has missed three games after suffering an upper-body injury on Thanksgiving Eve against the St. Louis Blues.

DeKeyser clears COVID-19 protocols

On Friday, the Red Wings announced defenseman Danny DeKeyser has been removed from the NHL's COVID-19 protocols. The 31-year-old has not played since Nov. 20.

Detroit Red Wings, Tigers set for Hometown Holiday Assist on Sunday

The Red Wings and Detroit Tigers are once again teaming up to host the Hometown Holiday Assist, hosted this year at the Fox Theatre on Sunday, Dec. 5. Nearly 100 children representing the Clark Park Coalition's youth hockey, baseball and softball programs and youth from Latin Americans for Social and Economic Development will receive a donation and special holiday experience.
Check back to DetroitRedWings.com next week for details surrounding this year's event.