Dylan Larkin 'feels good' but remains game-time decision for Red Wings tonight

Detroit — Dylan Larkin skated again Tuesday during the morning skate, appeared to be preparing to play later in the evening against Ottawa, and looked excited about rejoining the Red Wings in the hunt for a playoff spot. But after missing the last seven games with a lower-body injury, Larkin stopped just short of saying after the morning skate he was back in the lineup. "I still have to see how today goes, it's still a game-time decision," said Larkin, the Wings' captain.

"But I feel good and have made real good progress. I'm trying anything I can to get back. "Missing time isn't ideal.

But as much hockey as I've played, and the minutes I play, it seems to come back pretty quick anytime I've missed time. I've had a couple of good practices, a couple of good skates on my own, and I feel conditioning isn't a factor. " Larkin has basically been in a day-to-day availability for the past few days, with coach Todd McLellan growing more optimistic daily.

McLellan liked the way Larkin moved around the last two days. "He's looked good in practice," said McLellan, who agreed Larkin was a game-time decision. "That being said, practice and games are way different at this time of year.