The Detroit Red Wings who are chasing a playoff berth, received some bad news. Captain Dylan Larkin will be out for two weeks with a lower-body injury. The injury occurred last Saturday against the Florida Panthers. Larkin who has 54 points on the season will be missed, but it is not all doom and gloom in Motown.
The Red Wings currently hold down a wild card spot and now face a bit of a tough challenge to hold onto that spot. This is where the schedule is Detroit’s friend. The Red Wings have the Arizona Coyotes and Buffalo Sabers twice and also play Pittsburgh and the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Losing a player who means as much as Larkin does is not ideal, but given the schedule, it could have been much worse. The biggest challenge will be the Colorado Avalanche and Vegas Golden Knights both road games. To which the Red Wings lost 7-2 to Colorado.
Detroit coach Derek Lalonde said there are no plans to call a player up from the Grand Rapids Griffins since the team has 12- forwards available. During Monday’s practice, Joe Veleno slotted onto the top line in Larkin’s absence. Veleono who has had a very good season has earned the promotion while Larkin recovers.
For the Red Wings, they will need to continue to win games that are favorable to hold a playoff spot. While it will be a bit tougher the team should respond. With the trade deadline approaching many insiders are reporting the Red Wings would like to get a forward and defensive player with a snarl.
It is possible when Larkin does return the team will have a new face or two for a final playoff push. Early in the season, Larkin missed four games due to an upper-body injury and Detroit did not do well. This time experience coupled with a more favorable schedule gives the Red Wings a chance to not have a dip in play and production.
JT Compher, David Perron, Alex Lyon, and Ville Husso were also out when Larkin missed four games. This time it is Larkin and Husso, this is another reason Detroit is in better shape to handle the loss of the captain.
At this point in the season, every point is critical. While Detroit has some challenges the team should come out fairly well.
