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3 of the last 4 games Detroit has played were against teams that (arguably) did the most to load up for a post season run. Defending champs The Vegas Golden Knights, Colorado Avalanche and the Florida Panthers are all in. Those teams managed to take impressive rosters and add pieces that make them formidable. In the 5 game losing streak, the most bothersome loss still lies in a collegiate arena in Arizona.

After weeks of insane tracking, few rumors of any substance and a team on the decline the Red Wings look like a group that is just now understanding what they may have lost. The group managed to tie the score twice in Vegas (2-2 then 3-3) before the last 3 minutes of regulation essentially put them away. Tampa found a win, Washington is hit a stride and the Islanders are a breath away.

Rasmussen, Seider and Perron all ended up with 2 points apiece in the 5-3 loss and two of those names (Seider and Perron) are looked at as current and one certainly as a future leader. Perron is supposed to be “that” voice in the room with Larkin down, and Seider is growing into the role. It still seems that losing the captain was as big a deal as myself and others had feared. Larkin drives the team and it seems like even by committee the passion hasn’t been there to step in.

Nothing detracts from the steps forward, and the post season felt as much like “gravy” now as it did when the season began. With a few days now to watch and regather, the need for another centerman who can step up is glaring. Veleno has come a long way, but can’t be thrust into the top line. Compher has been a really good pickup but doesn’t seem to be the player to do it. Rasmussen has performed well as a depth center. Unfortunately, when Larkin went down, so did the team. With no real idea of when during the Florida game the “lower body injury” occurred it may well have factored in to more of the game than we can know.

Regroup, prepare and finish well. The team needs to pull together and put everything on the ice to finish the season as well as they possibly can. The “buzz” the Red Wings brought to Detroit and the fan base were much needed during tough times in and around the city. The Lions did the same, and U of M fans were treated to a magical run. Sports is the emotional ointment of the Motor City. Athletes are the celebrities. For those couple of hours of a broadcast we can shelve the every day and get lost in the greatest game on earth. However the ending, that should be even greater in impact next year as Yzerman and co look at what went right and what went wrong. Exciting prospects are developing and it feels like good days are ahead.

Let me know your thoughts, as always. Each of you who take the time are what make this blog happen. There is no level of gratitude that seems to adequately thank you for that.

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