The Detroit Red Wings drop the puck on a new NHL season Thursday night when they host the Columbus Blue Jackets at Little Caesars Arena.
The Wings are coming off a pre-season that saw them post a 7-and-1 record.
Detroit, which has missed the playoffs the last two seasons, is injecting youth into what had been a veteran roster. Five players could make their NHL debut against the Blue Jackets.
Among the rookies expected to suit up is Michael Rasmussen, 19, and Dennis Cholowski, 20.
Injuries are expected to keep Niklas Kronwall and Jonathan Ericssoon out of the lineup.