For the last two games, captain Dylan Larkin has not been in the Detroit Red Wings starting lineup. Larkin revealed the sad reason behind his absence on Friday.
The kid that Larkin and his wife Kenzie were expecting has not materialized.
Larkin wrote on Instagram, “My wife and I said goodbye to our baby this week.” It’s difficult to find words or optimism in this situation, but please know that we sincerely appreciate your help and understanding, as well as your privacy protection.
On Saturday, the Red Wings will take on the Canadiens in Montreal. After Detroit’s 5-1 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks at home on Thursday, coach Derek Lalonde stated that he expected Larkin to return for that contest.
Lalonde stated, “I would anticipate Dylan returning for us on Saturday.” But that was before his captain revealed to the world why he had not been playing for the team.
Larkin did not play in either Wednesday’s 3-2 loss against the New York Rangers or Thursday’s contest. Since his absence is not due to an injury, he is currently on the club’s non-roster roster.
Without their captain, both on and off the ice, Lalonde acknowledged that the Red Wings were a very different team.
“With Dylan, the lineup looks so much different,” Lalonde remarked. “Some guys even received additional minutes last night.” Dylan is undoubtedly our most productive player, our number one center, and he contributes in all circumstances. You can succeed anytime he’s not around, so that’s a plus.
Larkin, with 8-13-21 points from 20 games, is leading the Red Wings in scoring. Ironically, with 29 penalty minutes, he leads the club in that category as well. Larkin was having a great game last Sunday, going into a 4-1 victory over the Minnesota Wild and scoring a goal and an assist.
