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Rangers vs Red Wings action arrives Friday night with New York looking to build on an impressive opening-week victory and Detroit preparing for its first game of the 2026-27 season. The puck is scheduled to drop at 6:30 p.m. ET, with the matchup set to air on HBO Max, truTV, TNT and SN1.
The Rangers enter the contest with a 1-1-0 record after defeating the Tampa Bay Lightning 5-1 on Thursday. Detroit, meanwhile, begins at 0-0-0 and will be eager to establish its identity in front of its home crowd. The projected lineups feature several notable names, including established stars, new combinations and one highly anticipated NHL debut.
Rangers vs Red Wings Projected Lineups Revealed
New York did not hold a morning skate after its decisive win against Tampa Bay. As a result, the lineup remains officially projected rather than confirmed, but the expected combinations offer a clear look at the Rangers’ current structure.
New York Rangers Forwards
- Gabe Perreault – Mika Zibanejad – Alexis Lafreniere
- Pavel Dorofeyev – J.T. Miller – Oliver Bjorkstrand
- Will Cuylle – Noah Laba – Eeli Tolvanen
- Tye Kartye – Joseph Veleno – Matt Rempe
The top line places Gabe Perreault alongside Mika Zibanejad and Alexis Lafreniere, giving New York a blend of skill, speed and offensive creativity. The second unit features Pavel Dorofeyev, J.T. Miller and Oliver Bjorkstrand, a group capable of creating pressure through possession and quick puck movement.
Will Cuylle, Noah Laba and Eeli Tolvanen are projected on the third line, while Tye Kartye, Joseph Veleno and Matt Rempe round out the forward group. That depth could become important against a Detroit team seeking to control the pace at home.
New York Rangers Defense and Goaltending
- Vladislav Gavrikov – Adam Fox
- Marcus Pettersson – Sean Durzi
- Alberts Smits – Braden Schneider
- Projected goalie: Igor Shesterkin
- Backup goalie: Dylan Garand
Adam Fox remains the key name on the Rangers’ blue line, paired with Vladislav Gavrikov in the projected alignment. Marcus Pettersson and Sean Durzi form the second defensive pairing, with Alberts Smits and Braden Schneider listed on the third unit.
Igor Shesterkin is projected to start in goal, giving New York one of the league’s most reliable last lines of defense. Dylan Garand is listed as the backup. Matthew Robertson, Jaroslav Chmelar and Scott Morrow are projected to be scratched, while Joonas Korpisalo is out with a lower-body injury.
Detroit Red Wings Prepare for a Major Home Opener
The Red Wings enter the Rangers vs Red Wings matchup without Dylan Larkin, who is expected to miss Detroit’s first two games because of an upper-body injury. The team hopes the forward can return Tuesday against the Ottawa Senators, but his absence creates an immediate challenge for Detroit’s forward group.
Detroit Red Wings Forwards
- Alex DeBrincat – Andrew Copp – Lucas Raymond
- Emmitt Finnie – J.T. Compher – Viktor Arvidsson
- Michael Rasmussen – Marco Kasper – Keegan Kolesar
- Mason Appleton – Nate Danielson – Michael Brandsegg-Nygard
Alex DeBrincat, Andrew Copp and Lucas Raymond are projected to lead the attack. Without Larkin, that line could carry extra responsibility in offensive-zone situations and on special teams. The second line features Emmitt Finnie, J.T. Compher and Viktor Arvidsson, while Michael Rasmussen, Marco Kasper and Keegan Kolesar provide a larger, physical presence.
Mason Appleton, Nate Danielson and Michael Brandsegg-Nygard are projected on the fourth line. Detroit will look for contributions throughout the lineup as it attempts to neutralize New York’s offensive depth.
Detroit Red Wings Defense and Goaltending
- Albert Johansson – Moritz Seider
- Anton Johansson – Justin Faulk
- Ben Chiarot – Axel Sandin-Pellikka
- Projected goalie: John Gibson
- Backup goalie: Daniil Tarasov
Moritz Seider is expected to anchor the top defensive pairing with Albert Johansson. Justin Faulk joins Anton Johansson on the second pairing, while Ben Chiarot and Axel Sandin-Pellikka are projected to handle the third unit.
The biggest storyline on defense is Anton Johansson’s NHL debut. His first appearance adds an exciting element to Detroit’s opener, particularly against a Rangers lineup that produced five goals in its previous game. John Gibson is projected to start in goal, with Daniil Tarasov serving as the backup.
Key Storylines to Watch in Rangers vs Red Wings
The Rangers will try to carry the confidence generated by Thursday’s 5-1 win into another challenging road-style test. Their lineup includes multiple dangerous scoring options, and the performance of Shesterkin could be crucial if Detroit creates sustained pressure.
For Detroit, the focus will be on replacing Larkin’s production and maintaining structure against New York’s top six. The Red Wings also have an opportunity to give their young players meaningful responsibilities early in the season. Anton Johansson’s debut will be closely watched, especially during defensive-zone shifts.
Projected lineups can change before warmups, but the current combinations suggest a competitive matchup built around early-season momentum, goaltending and lineup chemistry.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Rangers vs Red Wings game?
The game is scheduled for Friday, October 2, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. ET.
What is the Rangers’ record entering the matchup?
New York enters with a 1-1-0 record after defeating the Tampa Bay Lightning 5-1 on Thursday.
Who is projected to start in goal?
Igor Shesterkin is projected to start for the Rangers, while John Gibson is projected to start for the Red Wings.
Which Red Wings player is making his NHL debut?
Defenseman Anton Johansson is projected to make his NHL debut against New York.
Why is Dylan Larkin out?
Dylan Larkin is expected to miss Detroit’s first two games because of an upper-body injury.
