The Daily: Larkin Vital to Playoff Berth; Crosby’s Next Contract

Coach Derek Lalonde said he didn’t think his captain Dylan Larkin would play this weekend. He thought Larkin would be in the day-to-day range starting Monday, the day after Detroit plays Pittsburgh. But he added, “That could change.”

It could change because everyone understands the importance of Larkin returning to the lineup. It was as if they were jetting along, and an engine fell off. The Red Wings are 2-8 without him this season, and the team has three games before Monday.

The Red Wings were 0-2 without him last season. In 2021-22, Detroit was 5-5-1 without him. Bottom line: The Red Wings can’t get their ahead above water when he’s absent.

With 17 games remaining this season, his return is vital to the team’s hope of qualifying for the playoffs for the first time in eight seasons. The Detroit players seem to be feeling the weight of their six-game losing streak, evidenced by the scuffle in practice Wednesday.

If Larkin isn’t ready, he isn’t ready. Medical opinions rule. But how Larkin feels when he skates will certainly influence medical opinion. You know he wants to play.

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

• Patrick Kane thought the Red Wings had a good effort in the loss to Vegas.  Otherwise, he thinks the team’s effort has been inconsistent during the six-game losing streak. Read Bob Duff’s story.
• Ben Chiarot and Lucas Raymond got into a physical altercation Wednesday at practice. Frustrations are boiling over for Detroit players during this six-game losing streak.
• Filip Zadina now has 12 goals this season for the San Jose Sharks. He never scored that many in a single season for Detroit.
• You have to see the goal that Detroit Red Wings prospect Tnias Mathurin scored in the Ontario Hockey League.

Red Wings Next Game

Alex Lyon will start in goal for the Detroit Red Wings tonight when they play a rematch game against the Arizona Coyotes at Little Caesars Arena. The Coyotes humbled the Red Wings Friday by a 4-0 decision Friday in Arizona.

Hockey Now Network

Chicago: With the Chicago Blackhawks winning three out of four, fans have a glimpse of what the future could look like with Connor Bedard.

Nashville: H0w post- NHL Trade Deadline rules will impact the Nashville Predators. 

Philadelphia: Why the Ryan Johansen injury is bad news for the Philadelphia Flyers

Pittsburgh: Dave Molinari weighs in on what Sidney Crosby’s next contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins should look like.