Rangers vs. Red Wings: Lines, Notes & How to Watch

Dylan Larkin’s absence from injury this season has made the hearts of fans grow fonder of their captain. The Red Wings were 2-6 without him when he suffered his latest injury. Now that he’s playing again, the Red Wings look more competitive for the final wild card spot.

Larkin has three goals and three assists in six games since his return, and he has delivered at opportune times.

“Probably able to reflect more in the offseason but the splits are going to be alarming,” Detroit coach Derek Lalonde said. “We’re a .600-plus win percentage team when he’s in the lineup and we – I won’t use the word awful – but we have not been very good when he’s been out. You can see it. He’s a very special player for us. You see the way we’re built and designed. We’re not there yet with the luxury of a lot of depth up the middle. You don’t have to be a hockey genius to see what you’re centers look like with Larkin in and Larkin out. It’s just interesting with matchups, it changes the whole dynamic when he’s in the lineup.”

As dangerous as Patrick Kane has been, the New York Rangers will probably worry more about Larkin tonight because he is Detroit’s engine.

Game Time

Saturday: Rangers at Detroit

Where: Little Caesars Arena, Sunrise, Fla.

TV/RADIO: Bally Sports/97.1 FM

Time: 7 p.m.

Rangers Preview

The Rangers are 8-2 in their last 10 games. They rank seventh in the NHL in average goals per game (3.42) and goals-against per game (2.78)… Goalie Igor Shesterkin has won four of his last five starts. However, he has given up 16 goals in those five outings with a save percentage of .893. Who’s hot for New York: Artemi Panarin has two goals and nine assists for 11 points in his past five games.  Alexis Lafreniere, the 2020 No. 1 overall draft pick, has six goals in his past five…The Rangers are 7-1-2 in their last 10 meetings against Detroit. That includes two victories over the Red Wings this season at Madison Square Garden.

Red Wings Preview

Alex Lyon is starting in net for Detroit for the third consecutive game. He has stopped 70 of his last 74 shots. The Red Wings will be without Michael Rasmussen who won’t play tonight, and maybe Sunday, because of an upper body injury… Alex DeBrincat has 24 goals this season, but has found the net only once in the past 16 games.  J.T. Compher has gone 11 games without a goal, and also has one tally in his past 16 games. .. Daniel Sprong has been scratched five of the last seven games. He was also scratched last season when he played in Seattle… Patrick Kane has been delivering down the stretch, scoring five goals in the past eight games.