Red Wings F Dylan Larkin ‘ready to get back’ following one-game suspension

The Detroit Red Wings will be without captain @Dylan Larkin no more as the 6’1″ forward prepares to return to the lineup Tuesday against the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Larkin, 25, received a one-game suspension for punching Tampa Bay Lightning forward @Mathieu Joseph, who was handed just a two-minute roughing penalty on the controversial play.

Understandably, Larkin, who suffered a season-ending neck injury on a similar play against the Dallas Stars in 2020-21, was extremely frustrated with the situation and ultimately lost his composure. As a result, he opted to take matters into his own hands, literally and figuratively, immediately exacting his revenge on Joseph.

Following Detroit’s opening-night loss at the hands of Tampa Bay, the former first-round selection remained shaken up from this crushing hit along the boards, ultimately preventing him from participating in Friday’s practice at Little Caesars Arena.

After serving his suspension Saturday night, which saw his teammates defeat the Vancouver Canucks 3-1, Larkin returned to practice on Monday and is expected to suit up for his second game of the season.

“I’m very relieved it wasn’t anything serious,” Larkin discussed following the club’s morning practice. “I served my suspension and I’m ready to get back out there tomorrow night.

“I’m excited to be back with the guys.”

Making an impact on the scoreboard during the season opener, Larkin opened the scoring for Detroit, thanks to the help of teammates @Robby Fabbri and @Filip Zadina, who each assisted on the play.

Additionally, the left-hander center also registered a trio of shots on goal, one hit, one block and won two of his three faceoff opportunities over 11:39 minutes of ice time.

With Larkin back on the ice, the Red Wings should receive a major boost upfront when they take on the Blue Jackets at home Tuesday night, with puck drop set for 7:30 pm ET.