Tigers playoff run forces Red Wings to change start of season-opening game

This year in the Motor City, October means more than just the start of hockey season. It also means playoff baseball, something Detroit hasn't seen in a decade.

Due to unforeseen circumstances (i.e., the Detroit Tigers playing in the American League Division Series), the National Hockey League's Detroit Red Wings have announced a scheduling update for their 2024-25 season opener Thursday against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

The game, originally scheduled for 7 p.m. ET at Little Caesars Arena, will now begin at 8 p.m. ET due to the Tigers hosting the Cleveland Guardians across the street at Comerica Park for Game 4 of the ALDS that same evening.

Tigers' unexpected playoff run continues with ALDS Game 4 vs. Guardians

The Red Wings said in a statement that heavy traffic volume is expected in downtown Detroit that evening, with just half-mile separating the baseball stadium and the hockey arena. Thankfully, the NBA's Detroit Pistons, who also play at Little Caesars Arena, and the NFL's Detroit Lions, who play at Ford Field next to Comerica Park, are both on the road this week.

First pitch for Thursday's matchup between the Tigers and the Guardians is scheduled for 6:08 p.m. ET, and the game will be televised nationally on TNT. Though there will still be some overlap between the two, Detroit fans should still be able to watch the majority of both games, either in person or on television.

After besting the Houston Astros in two games to get past the Wild Card round, the Tigers are facing off against AL Central rival Cleveland in a best-of-five ALDS. The teams split the first pair of games in Cleveland to force a Game 4 before the series shifted to Detroit. The Tigers now head home to Comerica Park for Games 3 and 4 on Wednesday and Thursday with a chance to advance.

In the event that the teams split the pair of games in Detroit this week, they will force a deciding Game 5 on Saturday. Thankfully, Game 5 will be played at Progressive Field in Cleveland, as the Red Wings are set to host the Nashville Predators that same day at Little Caesars Arena. All bets are off if the Tigs advance to the ALCS and World Series, though. Sorry, hockey season.

More Tigers content from Motor City Bengals