The Red Wings history dates back nearly 100 years and they have therefore been around for just about every change you could think of in 20th and 21st century technology. Yeah, that’s a long time, and it’s kind of hilarious that they’re making more history on the eve of the trade deadline.
How? By hosting a franchise that’s only been around since the first days of the AI Revolution, the Utah Hockey Club. Just as a refresher, this is not the same franchise, legally, anyway, that first took the ice in 1972 in the WHA as the original Winnipeg Jets.
That organization moved to and spent nearly 30 seasons in the Sonoran Desert before their players and personnel relocated. Yes, the Utah Hockey Club is technically a new franchise, and one that doesn’t seem to be as futile as their spiritual predecessors.
But now, for the first time in franchise history, Utah visits Detroit. That said, if you are a fan of trivia questions, it’s a night of firsts to take notes on.
A series of firsts will be expected with the Red Wings squaring off vs. Utah
One thing to note is that this isn’t just the first time the Red Wings will play Utah at home, but it’s their first overall regular season meeting. The Wings will also play Utah on March 24th on the road for the first time ever, so there will be another round of answers to future trivia questions there, too.
Anyway, the biggest question is what will the final score be in the inaugural matchup between Utah and Detroit at Little Caesars Arena? Who will score the first goal in franchise history against Utah, and which Utah player will score the first goal in franchise history against the Red Wings?
Oh yes, die-hard Red Wings fans will enjoy this one, and we may even need to ask another, rather complicated trivia question while we’re at it: Who was the first player the Red Wings acquired in a trade following their first matchup vs. Utah? Hey, that question will eventually have an answer to it, whether it comes on Friday or in the offseason.
Even franchises almost as old as time itself keep making history
You would think that an Original Six franchise would have seen everything in the NHL, but they haven’t yet experienced a game against the Utah Hockey Club, nor have they been to Salt Lake City for a regular season matchup. The latter won’t happen tonight, but the Wings would like to get back on track against what is an up-and-coming team in Utah.
Oh, and depending on how the cards fall, this matchup might even carry more meaning, as it may be the only one at Little Caesars Arena to feature the Red Wings vs. the Utah Hockey Club. Remember, Utah’s current name may be a mere placeholder, and if that’s the case, the Wings will be facing either the Mammoth or Outlaws in 2025-26.
That said, be prepared to jot down some answers to what might be countless trivia questions coming your way. The die-hard Red Wings fan will need them, but keep the news turned on in case Steve Yzerman decides to make a trade during the game as well.