Red Wings center Dylan Larkin went down late in the team’s March 6 game against the Florida Panthers in what appeared to be a non-contact injury in the third period.
Entering the zone on a breakaway chance Larkin stopped awkwardly as he was attempting to get his feet set on a shot. The 29-year old’s leg appeared to have caught itself underneath him and he fell to the ground in the Florida zone, staying there for several moments.
The Red Wings captain was able to get off-ice on his own power shortly after, disappearing into the locker room with about nine minutes left in the game. However, Larkin did not return to the bench.
The Red Wings, already down 2-1, were unable to rally and deflated after a momentum building second period. The Panthers added an empty-netter to make it a 3-1 loss.
“We don’t think it’s going to be long term, but he needs to be looked at.” Said McLellan.
Threading the needle
The Red Wings only added David Perron to the forward group at the trade deadline, who is already injured. If Larkin’s injury is more serious, Detroit could be left incredibly thin in their top six. For his part, Larkin is third on the team in points with 28 goals and 27 assists for 55 points in his 63 games this season.
“You never like to see a guy like that go down.” Said James van Riemsdyk.
With the home stretch before the playoffs now in full swing, the Red Wings will need to hope the updated news is positive tomorrow.