Canucks Aim to Snap Losing Streak in Rematch with Red Wings
Detroit, January 8, 2026 – The Vancouver Canucks, struggling with a four-game losing streak, face the Detroit Red Wings in a crucial NHL matchup at Little Caesars Arena. This marks the second meeting between the teams this season, following the Red Wings’ dominant 4-0 victory in Vancouver on December 8, 2025.
Team Standings and Recent Form
The Red Wings, sitting second in the Atlantic Division with a 25-15-4 record, have shown strong home performance at 14-8-1. They recently snapped a two-game skid with a 5-3 win over the Ottawa Senators. The Canucks, languishing in the Pacific Division with a 16-21-5 record, have struggled on the road at 12-9-2 and are looking to end their slide after losses to Buffalo and others.
Key Injuries and Lineups
The Red Wings report no injuries, allowing coach Todd McLellan to roll with a full lineup featuring stars like Lucas Raymond and Dylan Larkin. For the Canucks, several players are sidelined, including Conor Garland (upper body), Marco Rossi (lower body), Filip Chytil (upper body), Teddy Blueger (lower body), Guillaume Brisebois (lower body), and Derek Forbort (undisclosed). Elias Pettersson, recovering from an upper-body injury and personal challenges, may return soon but is scratched for this game. Thatcher Demko is expected to start in goal for Vancouver.
Key Facts / Stats
| Team | Record | Goals For/Against | Power Play % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Detroit Red Wings | 25-15-4 | 2.9 / 2.7 (last 10 games) | Tied-6th overall |
| Vancouver Canucks | 16-21-5 | 2.9 / 3.0 (last 10 games) | Below average |
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the game?
The game takes place on January 8, 2026, at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, starting at 7 p.m. EST.
What is the significance of this matchup?
This is the season’s second game between the teams, with the Red Wings leading 1-0 after their shutout win in December. The Canucks seek revenge to climb out of their losing streak.
Who are the top performers to watch?
For the Red Wings, Lucas Raymond leads with 12 goals and 33 assists, while Dylan Larkin has been hot with five goals in the last 10 games. For the Canucks, Kiefer Sherwood has 17 goals, and Linus Karlsson has five goals and four assists recently.