Searching for answers and a way out of a four-game losing streak and overall 2-8-1 skid, the Detroit Red Wings will return to a plan they originally implemented when training camp broke.

Dylan Larkin will play center in Wednesday’s game at Buffalo against the Sabres.

Larkin will skate between Gus Nyquist and Thomas Vanek, taking the place of the injured Darren Helm. As a trio, that line sparked the Wings early in the season and Detroit coach Jeff Blashill hopes that Larkin, who won the NHL’s fastest skater competition at last season’s All-Star Game, can provide a similar tempo to what the speedy Helm provided to the unit.

“Obviously I thought Nyquist and Vanek had real good chemistry and I thought Helmer provided lots of energy on that line,” Blashill explained. “They’re not the same player, Helmer and Larkin, they’re different players but potentially it could result in that. We’ll see if we go with it.

“I also think, as I said earlier, we’re not going to make any long-term decisions one way or the other. We played Larks on the wing for a while. He’s done a good job. Maybe we’ll try him at center for a bit.”

Larkin felt he was just growing some familiarity as a center during a four-game stint earlier this season when he was switched back to the wing.

“I didn’t feel comfortable until the fourth game, I guess and they switched it up,” Larkin said. “It’s hard, it’s a battle every faceoff. It’s not easy playing that position. You have to be able to move your feet, take offensive chances and be quick in your own zone.”

Vanek and Larkin played the wing alongside Frans Nielsen the last game and Larkin is of the opinion that Vanek is the type of veteran player who can make his life easier in the middle.

“He’s skilled with the puck,” Larkin said of Vanek. “He makes good offensive plays. He’s always open and talking on the bench too, adjusting as the game goes on.

“I’m excited. I liked playing with him last game and I’m excited to play with him more.”

Howard’s Net
The Wings are opting to ride the hot hand in goal and will again go with Jimmy Howard in goal for the third straight game.

“I think he continues to play good,” Blashill said. “I think he’s made the saves he’s supposed to make.

“I think he’s doing a real good job.”

Jurco Assigned
The Wings have sent right-winger Tomas Jurco, recovering from off-season back surgery, to AHL Grand Rapids on a conditioning assignment.

Jurco will play Wednesday at Milwaukee and Friday in Grand Rapids against Cleveland before returning to Detroit.

“I’m very excited,” Jurco said. “It’s been awhile, but I’ve been working really hard to be ready. I think I’m going to feel good, but I’m still very, very excited.

Jurco is not only certain that his back is better than before, but that he’s ready to roll and play some hockey.

“My back has been feeling really good,” Jurco said. “It’s way better than before surgery. I’m really excited about it. I can’t wait to play.

Theoretically if all goes well, Jurco could be activated from the injured reserve list as early as Saturday.

“Yeah,” Jurco said. “We’ll see how it’s going to go. We have to see how I’m going to feel. Maybe, but I will say it will probably be closer to next week.

He tries not to ponder on why this latest bit of adversity was thrown his way.

“I was trying to think positive,” Jurco said. “I was just working hard and not thinking about just sitting and not playing. It is how it is. It happened for a reason.

“I feel way better after the surgery so it’s a good thing for me and I’m excited to play.”

Lorito Named
Wings farmhand Matt Lorito of Grand Rapids is the AHL player of the week. Lorito tallied two goals and four assists as the Griffins split a two-game home set against the Texas Stars last week.

Signed as a free agent in the summer, the 5-9, 171-pound Lorito has played in all 14 games this season and ranks among the AHL’s leaders with 16 points (tied for fifth), 10 power play points (tied for second) and eight power play assists (third).

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