Game Preview | 5 things to know ahead of Sabres at Red Wings

Tage Thompson will return to the lineup when the Sabres conclude their two-game road trip tonight against the Detroit Red Wings at Little Caesars Arena.
Thompson has missed two games since entering the NHL's COVID-19 protocol on Jan. 10. He was asymptomatic for the duration of his absence.
The forward leads the Sabres in points (23) and ranks second in goals (12). He is Buffalo's candidate on the NHL's "Last Men In" ballot for the All-Star Game. Fans can vote here up to 10 times per day through Monday, Jan. 17.
Coverage tonight begins at 6:30 p.m. on MSG with puck drop scheduled for 7. The radio broadcast will be carried on The Bet 1520.
Here are five things to know.

1. The lineup

Thompson will join the lineup in place of forward Zemgus Girgensons, who will miss the game to rest what coach Don Granato described as a nagging injury.
The team held an optional morning skate, meaning no lines or pairs were revealed.

2. The goalies

Granato did not announce his starter. Aaron Dell made 29 saves for his first win with the Sabres in Nashville on Thursday. Michael Houser is their other option after signing an NHL contract for the remainder of the season on Wednesday.

3. Krebs to practice Sunday

Peyton Krebs, who entered COVID protocol on Jan. 4, has skated twice in Buffalo and will join the Sabres for practice on Sunday, Granato said.
Krebs, acquired from Vegas on Nov. 4, made his Sabres debut on Dec. 29. He pulled off a highlight-reel assist for his first point with the team during his last game prior to entering protocol, an overtime loss to Boston on Jan. 1.
"I was excited about his last performance and disappointing he went out and looking forward to seeing him again," Granato said.

4. #TallStar

Granato offered his endorsement of Thompson as an NHL All-Star, citing a growing recognition within the game of the 24-year-old's ability. Thompson has enjoyed a breakout season after moving to center during training camp.
"I think it's easy to see for teams around the league that this is a legitimate future top-end centerman," Granato said.

If voted in, Thompson would join defenseman Rasmus Dahlin as first-time All-Stars from the Sabres.
"Any time you participate in an All-Star Game, that's another level," Granato said. "Somebody as talented as Tage and in the rapid growth stage of his career, beyond the honor it would be a great boost to him in his development."

5. Scouting the Red Wings

The Red Wings have scored just eight goals in their past six games coming off a 3-0 loss to the Winnipeg Jets on Thursday. They now sit fifth in the Atlantic Division at 16-17-5.
Dylan Larkin, who was selected to the All-Star Game, leads the Red Wings with 32 points (16+16). Lucas Raymond ranks second and leads NHL rookies with 30 (10+20).
Alex Nedjelkovic is expected to start in goal for Detroit.