Jeff Blashill delivered a defense of Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin, whose future is uncertain both because of a possible injury and disciplinary measures.
Larkin did not practice Friday; he ventured onto the ice briefly by himself, but left after a few minutes. He had an afternoon hearing with the NHL Department of Player Safety to defend punching a foe, and then an appointment with medical personnel.
It all began well enough Thursday: Larkin was celebrated by nine former captains including general manager Steve Yzerman, Nicklas Lidstrom, Henrik Zetterberg and Alex Delvecchio before the opener, and scored in the first period.