The Detroit Red Wings are coming off a 5-2 loss this past Sunday to Atlantic division rival, the Ottawa Senators. There were not many bright spots in the game, but at the end of the day, all we can do from the public standpoint is hope they learn from it and play better in the next game.
When reflecting back on the game, there weren’t many bright spots. I mean, how can there be when they gave up two empty-net goals, and allowed yet another hat-trick? Nonetheless, there need’s to be some changes made.
At this point in the season, there isn’t much hope for the Red Wings to make the playoffs- especially given how they’ve played for the last couple weeks. So, they have to decide rather or not taking chances is worth it. In my eyes, it’s not. That being said, it brings me to my point.
In that game, it became more than obvious to the public that a couple key contributors for the Red Wings are playing through injuries including their captain, Dylan Larkin. Given their current position, that need’s to be re-considered.
Dylan Larkin was named captain of the Red Wings earlier this year, and since that point has done nothing but show terrific leadership skills. When teammates are knocked down on the ice, he steps in. He shows how much he cares about this team, but when will this team consider him?
Dylan Larkin has been nursing an minor injury for a little bit now, but hasn’t missed much time for it. For the most part, it’s been held to just taking maintenance days. However, when you take a look at just how important he is to this team, and where the Red Wings are in the standings- it seems like a risk that doesn’t need to be taken.
Larkin, even through the injury has still played fairly well from a production standpoint, but he isn’t really helping the team win at the moment. I mean, the Red Wings are currently on a six game losing streak and in those six games he has two goals an assist and is a -6. Now, that can’t be put all on him, but the point trying to be made is the fact that him playing through an injury, and risking further damage, isn’t going to help this team win at this point in time- nor is it good for the organization.
When looking at the standings, you will more than likely notice that the Red Wings are fifth in the Atlantic. Furthermore, they are currently 30 points back from the Bruins which pretty much takes them out of the running for a playoff spot. So what should they be doing? Well, there are a lot of very talented players in this years draft class– that should be their main priority.
Right now, the Red Wings would have the ninth pick if it weren’t for the lottery. If they wanted to compete for a wild card spot, they’d have to obtain over 20 points and hope that the Washington Capitals, New York Islanders, and Columbus Blue Jackets don’t obtain a single point. That’s just not going to happen when they only have 13 games left.
So, the question need’s to be asked- is it worth playing a guy as valuable as Dylan Larkin, while injured, when your not competing for anything other than a higher draft pick?