Detroit Red Wings head coach Todd McLellan announced yesterday that captain Dylan Larkin will be a game-time decision against the Ottawa Senators tonight.
“I’m confident that he’s improving. He’s confident that he’s improving,” McLellan said in yesterday’s press conference. “He had a good practice today. I can’t tell you whether or not he’ll be ready right now, though. He’s a game-time decision tomorrow.”
Larkin suffered an injury on March 6 against the Florida Panthers. He hasn’t played for the last seven games. In that time, the Red Wings have put together just a 3-3-1 record. Both Larkin and second-line center Andrew Copp missed play time in that span, leaving the Red Wings relying on J.T. Compher for help.
Tonight’s game against the Senators is one of three this week. Next, the Red Wings take on the surging Buffalo Sabres, followed by the fighting Philadelphia Flyers. It’s imperative for Detroit’s success that Larkin makes his return.
Red Wings Need Larkin ASAP
The Red Wings are fighting for their life to secure a playoff spot. They currently sit just one point out of a Wild Card spot behind the New York Islanders. With just 12 games left in the season, they’ll need to go at least 7-5-0 to secure a playoff spot without any extra help. Their opponents range everywhere from the high-powered Minnesota Wild to the fearsome Florida Panthers. They’ll need all the help they can get if they want to make it into the playoffs.
This trade deadline, the Red Wings acquired Justin Faulk and David Perron to bolster their efforts. While some have criticized general manager Steve Yzerman for not adding more, it’s hard to imagine a team contending after losing both their first and second line centers. Still, to tread just above .500 without the team’s captain is an encouraging sign for Detroit.
This doesn’t feel like the Red Wings team of old.
How Dylan Larkin Will Help Red Wings
Dylan Larkin is the best center on the roster. In 63 games with the club, Larkin has 28 goals and 27 assists for 55 points. He’s sort of the everyman for Detroit, filling in on the power play, penalty kill, defensive deployments and everything in-between. When the team needs a hero, they call on their captain.
“Ever since he’s been down, it’s been a big hole in the lineup,” forward Patrick Kane said in yesterday’s press conference. “As our leader and captain, too. A lot of us wanted to play for him in some way or another and put us in a good enough spot so when he’s coming back, we’re still in the thick of things. I’m not sure what his status is going forward, but it’s always great to see him out there.”
Red Wings Have Big Game Ahead of Them
The Red Wings face off against the Senators tonight at 7 p.m. EST. The Senators are missing Jake Sanderson, Lassi Thomson, Nick Jensen, Thomas Chabot and Dennis Gilbert. Their wounded defensive corps and inconsistent goaltending should be just what Larkin and co. need to get back on track.
Tonight, the Red Wings can show they’re not like the rosters of the past.
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