The Detroit Red Wings lost more than just on the ice on Tuesday night against the Dallas Stars.
In addition to their 5-2 setback, they also lost captain Dylan Larkin, who was removed from the game in the 2nd period thanks to COVID-19 protocols.
According to NHL protocols:
“A person whose COVID-19 positive status has been confirmed shall remain in isolation, shall not exercise, and shall not participate in any training activity or have any contact (other than remotely) with any other personnel for the duration of their isolation.”
Head coach Jeff Blashill explained that he will be meeting with GM Steve Yzerman to decide on how next to proceed.
“Obviously, it was in the middle of the game, which is tough,” Blashill said. “We got to figure out exactly where everything stands, talk to Steve (general manager Yzerman) tonight, tomorrow, and figure out what we’re going to do for Thursday.”
The Red Wings continue their four game road swing on Thursday night with a matchup against the Vegas Golden Knights, followed by a Saturday night game against the Arizona Coyotes.
“You go through a sequence of things,” Blashill said. “Right now, he’s out for COVID protocol. I’ll have more update (on Thursday).”
Should the Red Wings lose Larkin for an extended period of time, it would be a big blow to their offensive attack. Larkin tallied on Tuesday night, bringing his personal goal streak to three games.
“He's our leader,” Danny DeKeyser said. “He drives the bus for this team. He had that big goal to get us back into it, and then not having him in the third obviously was a big loss.”
– – Quotes via The Detroit Free Press Link – –
