Detroit Red Wings

Dylan Larkin Won’t Play Wednesday Against Minnesota Wild

Published

1 year ago

December 13, 2022

Dylan Larkin was injured against the Carolina Hurricanes. He won't play Wednesday at Minnesota

DETROIT — Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin injured his right hand blocking a shot and won’t play Wednesday on the road against the Minnesota Wild.

“Not available for tomorrow — that’s all I know,” Detroit coach Derek Lalonde said after the Red Wings’ 1-0 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes.

Larkin didn’t play the third period after knocking down a shot with his hand near the end of the second period.

The Red Wings presumably will have more information tomorrow or Thursday about Larkin’s injury.

Lalonde said the team will call-up a player from the Grand Rapids Griffins to meet the team in Minnesota. If they opt for an offensive player, Taro Hirose seems like a possibility. He has played well this season (23 points in 23 games) and has 51 games of previous NHL experience. But Lalonde gave no clues about who the Red Wings will take.

Injury Toll

The Red Wings have lost multiple players to injuries caused by pucks being shot. Tyler Bertuzzi and Filip Zadina are both out because of injuries suffered when they were hit by the puck. Teammate Ben Chiarot’s shot hit Bertuzzi to cause his latest injury. However, Bertuzzi missed a month earlier in the season when he suffered a broken hand blocking a shot.

Matt Luff and Elmer Soderblom also were injured after blocking a shot. Luff lost several teeth and needed 16 stitches in his chin when he took a slap shot to the chin. Larkin is the fifth player injured blocking a shot. This is the sixth time it has happened this season.

A long-term loss of their captain would be a major blow for a Red Wings team trying to make the playoffs.

“He’s a driver. He’s a transporter of the puck,” Lalonde said. “Obviously, with some of the offense we already have out he still pushed us. He pushed his linemates…he produces, analytically he drives. He’s a big piece for a team that has not produced a ton five on five.”

Perron said he didn’t see what happened to Larkin.

“He just kind of left for the third,” Perron said. “We’ll see it is going to go. No matter what happens, we’ve stepped up all year when guys are missing or not.”