Dylan Larkin Sits Out Suspension tonight; Health Being Evaluated

Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin will serve a one-game NHL suspension tonight while doctors continue to evaluate the injury he suffered on a hit-from-behind by Tampa Bay Lightning player Mathieu Joseph.

“No real updates to give you right now,” Detroit coach Jeff Blashill said. “Obviously once we heard about the suspension yesterday there was no real rush to make a determination now.”

The Red Wings (0-0-1) play the Vancouver Canucks (1-0-1) at Little Caesars Arena at 7 p.m.

Dylan Larkin was suspended by the Department of Player Safety for taking a gloved-swing at Joseph after he was checked face into the Plexi-glass.

“When I talked to my son last night as he was asking me questions about why a punch with a glove on was more dangerous than the other one,” Blashill said, “and I explained to him it’s not.”

Joseph was not penalized for the hit. Blashill theorized Friday that if a penalty had been called against Joseph then Larkin wouldn’t have retaliated. Blashill said he understands why Larkin did what he did. Larkin was injured on a similar hit last season and spent eight weeks in a cervical collar.

Dylan Larkin Hurt on Joseph Hit

He was hurt on the Joseph hit. Larkin was unable to practice Friday and was scheduled to be examined by a specialist Friday afternoon.

“I think Dylan knows you want to keep your emotions under control at that point,” Blashill said. “But as I watched it yesterday I totally understand why he didn’t. None of us is perfect. I totally get it, given what he has been through.”

Carter Rowney will replace Larkin in the Red Wings’ lineup. Rowney was signed this summer after playing the past three seasons for the Anaheim Ducks. He played for the Pittsburgh Penguins on their 2017 Stanley Cup team.

However, Robbie Fabbri will move into Larkin’s spot between Lucas Raymond and Tyler Bertuzzi.

“Rowney he’s a certainly a guy who knows how to play in this league,” Blashill said.