On December 31, the Detroit Red Wings will be taking on the recent Stanley Cup Champions, Pittsburgh Penguins at Little Caesars Arena for the annual New Year’s Eve NHL game.

After losing important home games, Detroit is currently 6th in the Atlantic division out of 8 teams (as of Dec.11) . The Wings are two games below .500 and are 11-13 through the early stages of the season.

The Red Wings lost to the Colorado Avalanche with a 4-3 scoreline in overtime on November 19. Detroit had only gained a point out of the home loss.

The Red Wings then went on to play the Edmonton Oilers on Nov. 22. The Oilers are currently sitting in 7th in the Pacific division and haven’t looked great all season due to early struggles.

The Wings struggled early in the game and lost 6-2 at home last Wednesday night.

It seems as though the Wings haven’t quite settled into their new home as they are in their inaugural season of playing at LCA.

However, the Red Wings continue to impress on the road with a 6 win and 6 loss record away from home. The struggles at home seem to continue as they have a 4-2-3 record in the Little Caesars Arena.

Head Coach, Jeff Blashill, stated in an interview with the Detroit Free Press, “We need more fans in the stands. It’s a loud building, so it’s going to be a huge home-ice advantage when they’re in the stands.” The inconsistent turn out could be what has lead to the Wings poor home record and even the players feel as though it would help.

“It’s definitely entertaining for them and I think that’s good,” said Defenseman Mike Green, during an interview with the Detroit Free Press, regarding to why fans should visit and come to games more often at Little Caesars.

Fans have also seen the rebirth of Center Dylan Larkin this season as he is the top points leader with 21 and the top assist leader on the team as well with 17 assists as of November 28. In addition to Larkin being one of the best goal helpers on the team, Blashill has really been working to make Dylan a more complete player.

Blashill said, “ He’s become a real complete player.”

Blashill has put Dylan on both the power play and the penalty kill and Larkin averages more than 2 minutes on both the PP and PK.

Larkin reminisced upon last season and said, “I thought I had everything figured out and I didn’t, but this year has been pretty well, I’ve been preparing all summer for any role.”  Larkin has overall become a two-way player and thinks a lot less about scoring goals and more about helping his team become victors every night.

For more info on The Red Wings scores, live updates, stats, and tickets go to: https://www.nhl.com/redwings