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Devils vs Red Wings action opens Tuesday’s Frozen Frenzy schedule, with New Jersey looking to recover from a disappointing loss and Detroit aiming to build momentum at home. The game is scheduled for 6 p.m. ET and will be televised nationally.
The Devils enter the matchup with a 2-3-0 record after falling 4-1 to the Ottawa Senators on Monday. New Jersey did not hold a morning skate Tuesday, but several lineup changes are expected as the team tries to respond quickly in the second game of a demanding stretch.
Devils vs Red Wings projected lineups bring critical changes
New Jersey is expected to make at least two changes. Johnathan Kovacevic will make his season debut on defense, replacing Brenden Dillion. Stefan Noesen is also projected to return to the lineup in place of Luke Evangelista, who is dealing with an illness.
New Jersey Devils projected lineup
- Forwards: Timo Meier, Nico Hischier, Stefan Noesen
- Forwards: Jesper Bratt, Jack Hughes, Anthony Mantha
- Forwards: Arseny Gritsyuk, Evan Rodrigues, Dawson Mercer
- Forwards: Amadeus Lombardi, Cody Glass, Jesper Boqvist
- Defense: Luke Hughes, Brett Pesce
- Defense: Jonas Siegenthaler, Dougie Hamilton
- Defense: Declan Chisholm, Johnathan Kovacevic
- Goalies: Nico Daws, Jake Allen
The Devils’ top six remains the focal point, led by Hischier, Hughes, Meier, Bratt and Mantha. New Jersey will need stronger execution after scoring only once against Ottawa, particularly against a Detroit team that can generate offense from multiple lines.
Connor Brown is out with a lower-body injury, while Nick Bjugstad remains sidelined because of an upper-body issue. Evangelista is also unavailable due to illness. Remi Poirier and Brenden Dillion are listed as scratches.
Red Wings counter with explosive home lineup
Detroit enters at 1-3-1 and will try to take advantage of home ice during the high-profile Frozen Frenzy event. The Red Wings have several important pieces available, including captain Dylan Larkin, Lucas Raymond, Alex DeBrincat and defenseman Moritz Seider.
Detroit Red Wings projected lineup
- Forwards: Viktor Arvidsson, Dylan Larkin, Lucas Raymond
- Forwards: Michael Brandsegg-Nygard, Emmitt Finnie, Alex DeBrincat
- Forwards: Michael Rasmussen, Andrew Copp, Keegan Kolesar
- Forwards: Sheldon Dries, Nate Danielson, Carter Mazur
- Defense: Albert Johansson, Moritz Seider
- Defense: Anton Johansson, Ben Chiarot
- Defense: William Wallinder, Justin Faulk
- Goalies: John Gibson, Daniil Tarasov
John Gibson is projected to start in goal for Detroit, while Nico Daws is expected to get the assignment for New Jersey. The goaltending matchup could be decisive, especially if both teams continue to search for consistency early in the season.
Raymond and Justin Faulk missed Monday’s practice for maintenance, but both players took part in Tuesday’s morning skate and are expected to play. Their availability provides a major boost for Detroit’s offensive attack and defensive depth.
Center J.T. Compher practiced Monday and joined the morning skate Tuesday, but coach Todd McLellan confirmed that he would not be available against the Devils. Marco Kasper is out with an upper-body injury, while Mason Appleton is also unavailable with an undisclosed injury.
What to watch when New Jersey visits Detroit
The Devils’ response will be the central storyline. After surrendering four goals to Ottawa, New Jersey must tighten its defensive structure and avoid giving Detroit’s top forwards time in the offensive zone. Hughes and Hischier will be especially important in creating controlled entries and generating chances.
For Detroit, the challenge is turning its lineup depth into sustained pressure. Larkin, Raymond and DeBrincat can produce dangerous scoring chances, while Seider is expected to play a major role in moving the puck and defending against New Jersey’s top unit.
The matchup also carries early-season significance. Both clubs are below the .500 mark, making Tuesday’s contest an opportunity to gain valuable points and establish confidence. With a packed 16-game Frozen Frenzy schedule surrounding the matchup, the Devils and Red Wings will want to make their national spotlight count.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Devils vs Red Wings game?
The game is scheduled for Tuesday, October 13, 2026, with puck drop at 6 p.m. ET.
Who is expected to start in goal?
Nico Daws is projected to start for New Jersey, while John Gibson is projected to start for Detroit.
What changes are expected for the Devils?
Johnathan Kovacevic is expected to make his season debut, and Stefan Noesen is projected to replace Luke Evangelista.
Which Red Wings players are unavailable?
J.T. Compher, Marco Kasper and Mason Appleton are listed as injured or unavailable for Detroit.
What is the Devils’ record entering the game?
New Jersey enters with a 2-3-0 record after Monday’s 4-1 loss to the Ottawa Senators.
