from Dana Wakiji and Arthur J. Regner of DetroitRedWings.com,

"I know the 'D' are working with communication with the forwards and things are coming together, but we need to put it all together. We're getting there and when we put it all together it will be good for us."

Yet Larkin realizes if the one-goal loss trend continues, he will need to exhibit a tremendous wherewithal to maintain his composure to still be a source of encouragement to his teammates.

"It does feel (being) back in here we're three games in and we have two points, but we haven't got a win yet and we lost a one-goal lead, so it is a bit deflating," Larkin said. "But I think with these young guys going through it, they're exciting, they're exciting to watch, they're exciting to play with and it's exciting, what are they, three games in for most of them? They're learning, and they've gotten better every game, so as they get better, we'll get better as a team.

"Hopefully we'll get there, we'll go on a run and it will be fun with a great group of guys, but to not get frustrated you've just got to focus on what's next and you (must have) a short memory, you can't get too high. Three of the most cliché things but it's true, it's said all the time, but I think you get too low and then it gets into your normal day life and nobody wants to be around you and you find yourself kind of in a funk. Truly you have to stay even-keeled and having these younger players around helps."

more from Larkin and other topics...

Video after the morning skate is below, includes Kronwall, Larkin, Hronek and Blashill.