There can be no denying that the Red Wings have had a difficult time coping with the absence of their captain Dylan Larkin [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/detroit-red-wings/game-day/injury-update-walman-out-vs-columbus-rasmussen-game-time-decision-larkin-skates-but-remains-unavailable]. Detroit is 2-6-0 in Larkin's absence, and it feels as though much of the depth that has defined the season's previous successes has dried up. However, 21-year-old third-year pro Lucas Raymond stands as an obvious exception to that trend. Last night against Columbus, Raymond scored two goals, including one with just 12.6 seconds to play to tie the game and force overtime. He was, without question the Red Wings' best player. "Consistency, the hard play, getting to the hard areas—I mean both goals were low slot. But his battle, his compete—remember at this time last year, he was tiring," said coach Derek Lalonde in response to a question about how he's seen Raymond's game grow this season. "It was not very good. We were worried how much we could play him down the stretch, and now with Dylan being out, he's literally driven us to stay in this battle." "He's our best player," Moritz Seider told The Hockey News after yesterday morning skate, when asked about Raymond's efforts during Detroit's skid. "Even in tough stretches, he finds a way to get on the board, stay in it, play the right way, and obviously he's a big key to our success five-on-five." On the most recent episode of THN Detroit's The Silky Mitten State, Connor Earegood and I discussed Raymond's growth, form, and importance to the Red Wings future. For a sample of that conversation, check out the video below: Raymond Driving Red Wings in Larkin's Absence For full episodes of The Silky Mitten State, go to Apple Podcasts or Spotify: ALSO FROM THN DETROIT Red Wings Can’t Afford Another Wakeup Call [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/detroit-red-wings/latest-news/red-wings-cant-afford-another-wakeup-call] Raymond Drives Red Wings to Comeback OT Win over Columbus [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/detroit-red-wings/game-day/raymond-drives-red-wings-to-comeback-ot-win-over-columbus] Simon Edvinsson Looking to Apply Improvements in Call-up to Red Wings Playoff Hunt [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/detroit-red-wings/latest-news/simon-edvinsson-looking-to-apply-improvements-in-call-up-to-red-wings-playoff-hunt-] Redefining an NHL Factory: Kristy McNeil Revolutionizes Social Media for Michigan Hockey [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/detroit-red-wings/game-day/redefining-an-nhl-factory-kristy-mcneil-revolutionizes-social-media-for-michigan-hockey]
