Detroit Red Wings' center, Dylan Larkin, will be sidelined for approximately two weeks due to a lower-body injury, according to coach Derek Lalonde. Larkin sustained the injury during the Red Wings' 4-0 loss to the Florida Panthers on Saturday. This unfortunate setback comes at a pivotal moment in the team's season, as they currently hold a six-point cushion in the Eastern Conference wild-card race.

Larkin, who serves as Detroit's first-line center and leading scorer with 54 points in 55 games this season, is an integral part of the team's success. His absence in mid-December coincided with a challenging stretch for the Red Wings, as they lost four out of five games without him. However, they managed to bounce back and have performed strongly in January and February.

With upcoming road games against the Colorado Avalanche and the Vegas Golden Knights, the Red Wings will face tough competition without their influential player. Lalonde acknowledged Larkin's importance as a driving force for the team and emphasized the need to overcome such hurdles in their push for a playoff spot.

The responsibility of filling Larkin's role will likely fall to Joe Veleno, who skated between Alex DeBrincat and Patrick Kane during Monday's practice. The Red Wings believe that Veleno's speed and ability to transport the puck can replicate Larkin's impact. Although Veleno might not possess Larkin's offensive track record, he has shown promise this season, tallying 26 points in 59 games.

Larkin's absence will undoubtedly be felt by Detroit, especially during their challenging road trip. Games against the Colorado Avalanche and the Vegas Golden Knights were already anticipated to be demanding, and Larkin's absence will make them even more difficult. However, the upcoming matches against the Arizona Coyotes and the Buffalo Sabres will also hold significant importance in the Red Wings' playoff race.

Surviving the next two weeks without their captain is crucial for the Red Wings to maintain their playoff position, particularly with the surge of the New York Islanders behind them. Lalonde noted that this absence differs from Larkin's previous one in December, as the team was also missing their No. 2 center, J.T. Compher, and key forward David Perron at that time. Although Larkin is the centerpiece, the Red Wings have a more solid lineup this time around.

The Red Wings will need to display resilience and find ways to overcome Larkin's absence, knowing that their postseason aspirations largely rely on their ability to weather this challenging period. With determination and the support of their depth players, the team will aim to maintain their strong position in the playoff race until their celebrated center returns to the ice.