from Kevin Allen of Detroit Hockey Now,
...the return of the team’s captain seemed to provide teammates a booster shot of confidence.
Lalonde said Larkin tried to play Tuesday against Columbus. “He was every disappointed that our athletic training staff was just doing their job,” Lalonde said.
Larkin was more adamant today. “He didn’t get the OK until the afternoon,” the coach said.
His teammates understood how important it was to have him back in the lineup. They were more excited than usual when he scored his first goal.
“There was a little bit more jump,” Red Wings forward Christian Fischer said. “I’m sitting right next to the guy, but he means everything to this team. The season that he’s had up until that injury is remarkable. I’ve seen a true number one center, which is really hard to find. He drives the play. I think you could see every guy just competing a little bit harder, just having the presence of Larks back there. It’s huge for this group. You saw it the last three weeks of us kind of slipping a little bit. I think that played a factor into it. Emotionally, you’re missing your horse. It’s pretty easy to see once he’s back how much the guys want it and how much the guys care.”
from John Niyo of the Detroit News,
Back on course
Yet Thursday night, on the heels of Tuesdays comeback win against Columbus, they looked like a team ready to get back on course with a dozen games left to play in the regular season.
It's unbelievable the difference, Lalonde said. Maybe shame on our group, and shame on the staff for not getting more out of the group with Dylan out. But it's unbelievable just the difference when everyone is slotted where they should be.
That difference, in theory, will make an even bigger difference on the brutal road trip that's on deck, beginning with Saturdays game in Nashville against the red-hot Predators. With Larkin back in the middle of things, Lalondes lines wont be such an easy mark for opposing coaches with the last-change advantage.
And with the Wings right in the middle of this playoff fight, Larkin is right where he wants to be. The last few weeks as a spectator were extremely challenging, he admits.
But we're all in this together, he added.
If youd asked any of the Wings before the season how theyd feel about being in a playoff position heading into the final month, everyone would take it, Larkin insists. And when you play games like this, it just validates that feeling that we belong in the playoffs.
And now that their captain is back where he belongs, they just might.
more ($)
Extended highlights in 2 parts.
part 2
If only the team had some experienced veterans to also provide leadership....
Its great that Larkin is back and all this but absence exposed a serious issue with this roster that needs to be addressed this summer.
Very true. I am hoping (at some point) Nate Danielson can be that next Center. He plays with poise, skates well, can carry the play (drive play), has high hockey IQ and plays well defensively. Then add Kasper to the lot. These two players as two-way forwards is needed and helpful for the team.
Its unbelievable, the difference, Lalonde said. Maybe shame on our group, shame on the staff for not getting more out of the group with Dylan out. Its unbelievable the difference when everyone is slotted where they should be.
I think it is understated just how important it is to have "everyone slotted where they should be". On a juggernaut team it might not matter much but generally asking players to play above their skill level is asking for trouble in a league filled with skilled playmakers.
The reality is there is just a huge dropoff between Larkin and any other center on the roster. The depth has gotten better but no Wing can cover up that hole on a regular basis.
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