from Ted Kulfan of the Detroit News,
Saturday in Los Angeles and the nine-win Kings will be a test, but games in Anaheim (4-9-1), San Jose (3-9-3) and Columbus (4-9-0) are against three of the four lowest teams in the NHL overall standings.
Earning anything less than six out of eight possible points on this trip, arguably, would be disappointing.
"We haven't been good enough on the road," Larkin said. "We have a long trip, so we have to find something, and this (Thursday's loss) is a wake-up call for us. We responded well the last time (after the Buffalo loss). Hopefully, we get some bodies back (Tyler Bertuzzi, Elmer Soderblom and Jake Walman are expected to return) and we need to jell.
"There are points available on this trip. We have to find some excitement for the opportunity we have on this road trip."
Thursday's game was the fifth in eight days for the Wings, and Lalonde saw some fatigue. But this road trip could be a chance to change the collective mindset, and again dispose of another discouraging defeat.
"A reset," Lalonde said of the road trip. "We looked tired. I could feel it in practice (Wednesday), and even through two periods (against the Rangers), at 2-2, we didn't really have the same pop we've had through the last couple of games. So, it's a huge reset and we'll get out there and play another good team on Saturday."
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