"Maintenance day," said Blashill after Monday's practice, as to why Larkin didn't skate. "Right now, he didn't practice today and I'll leave it at that."
"I'd start by saying the last time we played them they kicked our butts," Blashill said. "So that's all I really worry about. They kicked our butts, and that's what sticks in our minds. Our guys aren't watching them play on a consistent basis or watching their record or anything like that.
Of course, forward Adam Erne missed Saturday's game due to a lower-body injury suffered Friday night at Little Caesars Arena against the Florida Panthers. Blashill said he'll know more about both players' status after tomorrow's practise.
Tomorrow night, Detroit will be without forward Tyler Bertuzzi, who is unable to play in Canadian cities due to lack of COVID-19 immunisation.
"We've given up too many goals," Blashill said. "To me, that would be the bigger area of concern. Sometimes it's just the games, and the games can get a little bit wild. The other night (Saturday's 5-4 loss in Toronto), the goals were too easy against and we can't give up easy goals against and win on a consistent basis."
