3 Detroit Red Wings that need to step up in Dylan Larkin’s absence

Detroit Red Wings forward Michael Rasmussen is starting to step up.

The next Detroit Red Wings player who could really step up his play while the captain is recovering is Michael Rasmussen. Similar to Copp, Rasmussen had come alive in the three matchups before Ottawa, scoring five points in those games after only recording six points in the previous 22. It was great to see Rasmussen finally break out and put up the points he has shown flashes that he can.

Rasmussen has had a few opportunities to score some goals this season that he blew by hitting the post or missing a wide-open net. Many people were expecting more offensive output from Rasmussen so far this season after steadily improving in that department over the last two seasons with 27 and 29 points, respectively.

Even though his offense hasn’t been great, he did make an excellent play to set up Seider’s tying goal in the second period against St. Louis. Then he backed that up with some hustle on the empty net goal that sealed the deal for a much-needed win. Those points put him on pace for a 38-point season, which would be his best so far in his career. This shows he isn’t having a bad season, though; it feels like he can be a 50-point guy.

Rasmussen is in the same position as Copp in that this is his chance to show everyone that he can center a top-six line and earn himself some more ice time as the season goes on. With Compher and Larkin around, I don’t see him playing as a center in the top six, as those guys have been playing great. He can ensure that he continues to center a line on this team and earn a spot for years to come if he can continue to improve and get a full & healthy season under his belt.