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Detroit’s opportunity to gain ground vs Isles, Larkin an afternoon decision |
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Very cool post from the team
Last night the Caps fell to the Leafs in regulation. If Detroit can win tonight vs. the Islanders there’s a little bit of breathing room, even though the Isles have a game in hand. One potential lift for the group is Dylan Larkin. He skated this morning, but is an “afternoon” decision.
As of March 21st with 13 games left Detroit is still in the playoffs picture and holds a positive goal differential. The latter has been a tough climb and comes as the result of higher offensive output. Unfortunately, goals against are up as the team was playing run and gun for a good chunk of the season without a solid defensive structure. That had gotten better but the “skid” saw massive gaps on the ice, far too many breakaways and Lyon was unable to make some of the saves that were keeping the team in games. Reimer seemed to freeze up as well on a 1 on 0 chance in the Columbus game. Whoever has the net tonight, they need to be rock solid.
The news on Larkin is a bit conflicting. If the call is this close, the chance of reinjury seems to be a real issue. It’s clear that the captain’s presence is sorely missed, but balancing that with the long term health of the players is a tough gambit.
Part of the fan base is hungry for wins, part wants a tank. It seems that the players want to be in this year’s playoff bubble. The defensive game has to reflect that. The Isles have had a bump with Roy behind the bench, but are just on the outside looking in. Two teams looking at each other as a potential block to the post season are going to meet up. There could be plenty of extra-curricular post whistle scrums. Detroit needs to keep away from the penalty box. Take a number, but don’t put the game out of reach on a retaliation.
Let me know your thoughts. Do you expect to see Raymond continue his late season impact? If Larkin returns, are you just glad to see him back or concerned about the timing? I’ll do an update once anything is announced.
**quick GM update - the league is doing a “survey” about the LTIR issue. Perhaps this is a way to get GMs to be more candid, without speaking up or voting in front of peers. It seems like something that should have been wrapped up to some degree after 3 days of meetings but we’ll see if anything happens.
Detroit Red Wings Blogger • 
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