Dana Gauruder | Special to the Free Press

Helene St. James, Detroit Free Press

Jeff Blashill doesn't believe Dylan Larkin has played his last game this season.

The Detroit Red Wings' star center sat out the 3-2 shootout victory over the New York Rangers on Thursday, which snapped an eight-game losing streak. Larkin is dealing with a back issue and will be reevaluated on Tuesday. He'll miss back-to-back road games against Tampa Bay and Florida this weekend but there are no plans to shut him down.

"We've not had one ounce of discussion about that," Blashill said. "I don't know if this will be a big, big deal or if it is a big deal. Obviously, we're not going to jeopardize Dylan's career. ... I think really he's having a spasm issue and I think it'll be fine."

Larkin, who leads the club with 27 goals and 35 assists, was sidelined for just the second time this season. He missed a game against Ottawa on Feb. 2 with a minor oblique strain.

Ron Chenoy, USA TODAY Sports

The Wings have the third fewest points in the league with 15 games remaining. But Larkin doesn't want to be a spectator unless it's necessary.

"Dylan wants to play. We've got to keep moving forward as a hockey team and Dylan's a big part of that, regardless of where we are in the standings," Blashill said. "I know he wants to continue being a big part of that."

Looking to end Lightning streak

Niklas Kronwall doesn't dwell on the Wings' futility against the Lightning.

"It's more you guys that keep reminding us," the veteran defenseman said.

Until the Wings finally break through against Tampa Bay, Kronwall and his teammates won't be able to escape those reminders. The Wings have lost 13 straight to the Lightning and have two chances to end that hex. Along with the road game on Saturday, they meet again at Little Caesars Arena on Thursday.

"There's no doubt everyone in that room know it's been awhile since we beat them," Kronwall said. "We've come close a few times but we need to make the most of the times when we do get an opportunity."

The streak was nearly snapped on Dec. 4 in the last matchup. The Wings allowed a two-goal, third-period advantage to slip away and lost in a shootout, 6-5.

"Over the last number of games, we've played them really well. Been right there," Justin Abdelkader said. "We had leads in games and we've let games get away from us. But it's always a great challenge."

The Lightning won 12 of 13 games until they were surprisingly shut out at home by Minnesota, 3-0, on Thursday. They'll finish off a four-game homestand against the Wings.

"I'm sick of not beating them," Blashill said.

Five down, four to go for Zadina

Rookie wing Filip Zadina's time with the Wings is quickly coming to a close. Their top pick from last June's draft has four games remaining before he'll be returned to the American Hockey League's Grand Rapids Griffins.

The Wings can't play Zadina more than nine games without his entry-level contract kicking in.

"We will not exceed the nine games," Blashill said. "There's no doubt he will only play nine games."

Zadina has one goal in his first five games and has looked more dangerous with every outing, according to the head coach.

Bowey getting more comfortable

Madison Bowey, the 23-year-old defenseman acquired from Washington in the Nick Jensen deal, notched his first assist with the Wings against the Rangers. Bowey is getting a long look with his new team, especially now that Mike Green is out for the season due to a recurrence of a viral infection.