The Detroit Red Wings are set to become the first Original Six franchise to make their final regular-season visit to the Scotiabank Saddledome on Saturday night, bringing a six-game point streak into the matchup against the Calgary Flames.
Detroit enters the contest with a 4-3-3 record and 11 points, while Calgary holds a 3-6-0 record and six points. Saturday’s puck drop is scheduled for 8 p.m. MT, which translates to 10 p.m. ET. Fans can follow the action via Detroit SportsNet on television and through the Red Wings Radio Network, anchored by 97.1 The Ticket in Detroit.
The impending farewell to the historic arena has prompted reflections from members of the Red Wings organization, many of whom hold personal and professional ties to the venue. Head coach Todd McLellan reflected on his extensive history with the building ahead of the Saturday night finale.
“I’ve been lucky enough to play in this building, coach junior in this building, coach pro in this building, also concerts, the Stampede, the whole thing,” McLellan said. “Being from Western Canada, this is part of what we did. Assistant coach Trent Yawney played in the Olympics here in 1980, so a lot of memories.”
Players also shared nostalgia regarding the venue, recalling childhood memories of watching past Flames stars.
“I think, for the guys my age that grew up watching Hockey Night in Canada and you catch the late game, you stay up late enough watching Jarome Iginla, Robyn Regehr… A lot of good memories watching them and then getting to play here,” defenseman Ben Chiarot said. “It’s always been a special rink for me. Sad to see it go.”
