Detroit Red Wings road ahead is murky up the middle

Dec 7, 2023; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Red Wings center Dylan Larkin (71) looks on during the first period at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brian Bradshaw Sevald-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 7, 2023; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Red Wings center Dylan Larkin (71) looks on during the first period at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brian Bradshaw Sevald-USA TODAY Sports

The Detroit Red Wings had their spot in the playoffs all but cut out with how well things were going. Plus, the team was able to bring in Patrick Kane. His signing was a breath of fresh air on its own, and now the Red Wings’ future looks much murky.

The Detroit Red Wings will have their work cut out for themselves. The Red Wings’ road ahead is going to get a bit murky. The injuries have piled up, and now Detroit must find a way to keep trucking without some big pieces.

It’s like one step forward and three steps back. The biggest issues will come up the middle, relying on players to step up in their roles as a center to help bridge the gaps left by their big dogs.

J.T. Compher continues to deal with an injury and has been placed on the Injured Reserve (IR), and Dylan Larkin was officially moved to the IR after his scary injury from Saturday. This leaves two gaping holes in the middle of the Red Wings lineup moving forward, and it has to be a dreary road looking ahead.

Detroit Red Wings headed down a murky road.

The Red Wings will play a daunting five games Saturday to Saturday, backdating to the loss to the Senators from the other night. It’s a tough spot to be in, down two centers. They are heading into a stretch of games where they have five more games on deck (including Monday night’s game).

However, the good news is they are not facing any of their big divisional rivals. Carolina comes to town, but other than that, they will get somewhat of a break. But, they will be without their top two centermen, which is certainly a cause for concern.

It’s going to require players like Andrew Copp, Robby Fabbri, Michael Rasmussen, and Joe Veleno are going to have to step up. It’s going to take a lot. Even though players like Michael Rasmussen and Robby Fabbri have been looking the part lately, there are some big shoes to fill with Compher and Larkin.

One of the big things that the Red Wings said would hinder their ability to compete was injuries. Steve Yzerman stressed this in a press conference ahead of the Patrick Kane signing, and now, those nightmares are becoming a reality.

Detroit Red Wings scrounge up positive with Patrick Kane’s first goal. light. Must Read

The Red Wings are not completely screwed, but they will have their work cut out for them moving forward.