In Red Wings Land
Detroit Red Wings without Dylan Larkin, Mike Green. That’s not all bad | Freep
Forward Dylan Larkin has a lingering back issue that will force him to miss Thursday’s game for starters, while defenseman Mike Green has been ruled out for the rest of the season because of the virus that also sidelined him three weeks at the start of the season. The Wings do not believe there is long-term concern for Green’s health.
Coach Jeff Blashill announced the news after the morning skate. The team was awaiting results from Larkin’s MRI, but it has been a lingering issue.
It’s definitely not all bad. Green out for the rest of the season means more ice time for Filip Hronek and Madison Bowey (and maybe Dennis Cholowski if he gets called up). However, if Larkin has a nagging back issue, the Red Wings should absolutely consider shutting him down for the rest of the year. Back issues shouldn’t be messed with. We’ve seen how Henrik Zetterberg had to deal with lingering back problems throughout his career. Plus, making the team worse in the short term could mean big gains long term in the draft lottery.
Konstantinov family launches GoFundMe for care of former Red Wings star | MLive
In the description of the crowdfunding campaign, the family says the money will go toward “extra and supplemental care, comfort, support, maintenance and education, including vocational, rehabilitation or technical training, as well as for his healthcare insurance and transportation not otherwise available to him or covered by insurance or governmental assistance.”
Around the League
Is the NHL the future of marijuana in pro sports? Why it could be | ESPN
This is a fascinating read and worth your time.