Tonight the Red Wings took on the Ottawa Senators for the first time since the end of 2020 despite being in the same division, with a rematch scheduled for Sunday following tonight’s tilt. Ottawa was rocked this week by the news that owner Eugene Melnyk passed away. Melnyk was a polarizing figure in the NHL, but he was certainly passionate. For all his public standoffs, it’s widely known he was heavily involved in charity work. While public opinion was gradually turning against him the past few years, the hockey world will mourn his loss.
Detroit entered the night looking to start the final month of the season on the right foot and earn a win for the first time in five tries dating back to a win against Philadelphia on March 22.