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Andrew Copp took a stick to the face and now may well have a broken cheek bone after the tough loss against Washington on Tuesday night. The penalty killing role has been amongst Copp’s stronger attributes and defensively the center will be missed.

Unfortunately, Copp hasn’t been the #2 centerman Detroit had hoped for. There’s good back and forth regarding Larkin as the top center and shifts have seen the captain moved to a line with Raymond and Fabbri while Compher centers Kane and Debrincat at times. There is a need to have at least a Larkin clone as a 1-2 punch up the middle (opinion of course).

As things wind down in the final stretch, it feels like management would at least consider a potential deal to try to move Copp out and look for another potential top 6 center but it would cost picks, prospects and/or retention. Right side defense and the center position should at least be on the list of consideration whether it be through promotion, free agency or trade.

It is a nice feeling to step back and still be in the mix at this point. There have been good glimpses of Edvinsson, though a linemate that can cover some defensive gaps as the big man adjusts may be the impetus of adding an outside right D.

I hope you’re all getting to enjoy the ride, even with the ups and downs. Seider has stepped in front of a lot of pucks lately, and Raymond seems to be getting opportunities with takeaways. The team in Grand Rapids is locked in for the post season, and it would be an interesting scenario if both clubs made it into the first round. Even just from the point of call ups and injuries the Griffins could be forced into adjusting for some lost personnel.

It’s crowded around the wild card spot. The loss last night certainly increases the necessity for Detroit to play their best 4 games of the season coming up. In just a couple of weeks we’ll either be talking about playoff performances or extensions/trades/buyouts or players being released to the realm of free agency. The long season is winding down with a lot to dissect whenever the final horn blows for Detroit this year.

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