This Western vs. Eastern Conference interconference matchup sees the Los Angeles Kings, a solid but inconsistent Pacific Division team, travel to face the surging Detroit Red Wings, who boast one of the Eastern Conference’s top records and a strong home-ice advantage. Detroit’s high-powered offense and depth meet LA’s structured defense and goaltending in what could be a competitive, goal-filled affair at Little Caesars Arena.
Event Details
Venue: Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, Michigan
Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 PM ET (4:00 PM PT)
Broadcast/Streaming: ESPN+, FDS Detroit (local), FDS West (local LA), NHL Power Play
Injury Report
Los Angeles Kings: No major new injuries dominate reports leading into the game. Earlier season updates included Anze Kopitar (lower-body, day-to-day in early Jan) and Joel Armia (upper-body), but core lineup (e.g., Anze Kopitar if cleared, Adrian Kempe, Quinton Byfield) appears available. Goaltender Anton Forsberg expected in net. Depth intact for road challenge.
Detroit Red Wings: Significant blow to blue line.
Simon Edvinsson (D): Out (lower-body injury; expected out until after Olympic break, missing at least next 5 games including this one).
Other notes: Patrick Kane had earlier absences (9 and 5 games), but no new major reports. Stars like Dylan Larkin, Alex DeBrincat, and goaltender John Gibson available. Detroit leans on depth defensemen to fill Edvinsson’s minutes.
Key Player Matchups
Top Lines: Detroit’s Dylan Larkin / Alex DeBrincat / Patrick Kane (high-octane scoring, Larkin center of offense) vs. Kings’ Anze Kopitar / Adrian Kempe / Quinton Byfield (veteran savvy and speed). Detroit’s line edges in recent production.
Defense: Kings’ Drew Doughty / Mikey Anderson (shutdown pair, strong PK) vs. Red Wings’ depleted blue line without Edvinsson (Moritz Seider leads). LA could exploit transition if Detroit’s D pressured.
Goaltending: LA’s Anton Forsberg (solid .905+ SV% career, recent starts) vs. Detroit’s John Gibson (experienced, but team save % ~.895). Slight edge to Detroit’s offense pressuring Forsberg.
Key X-Factor: Detroit’s home dominance and power play (top-5, 24.7% efficiency) vs. Kings’ road resilience (13-6-6 away) and penalty kill. If LA forces turnovers, they stay competitive; Detroit thrives scoring 3+ goals.
Recent Team Form
Kings: Steady but streaky around .500. Recent shots high (1,391 attempted, 9.4% shooting), but defense allows moderate goals (save % .899). Road form respectable, but inconsistency in finishing.
Red Wings: Hot with 32-16-5 record. Recent 5-1 win over Jets (strong shooting 10.91%, 165 goals scored). Offense explosive (high even-strength and PP goals), defense solid despite Edvinsson absence. Home form elite (18-8-1).
Series History
All-time competitive, with recent edges varying. Kings hold some recent advantages in matchups, but Detroit strong at home historically. Games often see goals (combined high in trends); last meetings feature tight contests or high-scoring outputs. This is a rare interconference clash this season.
Betting Trends
Red Wings cover as home favorites; Kings mixed ATS on road. Total trends OVER in Detroit’s high-scoring games (many over 6.5); Kings games moderate. Sharp action on Detroit side given Edvinsson loss mitigated by depth.
Game Odds
Los Angeles Kings 5.5
Detroit Red Wings – 125
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Monday, January 26, 2026
