Red Wings’ Helm, Abdelkader, Larkin enjoying chemistry, productivity – Detroit Free Press

The Red Wings' Darren Helm, Anthony Mantha, Dylan Larkin and Jeff Blashill talk Saturday after the 4-3 loss at Rogers Place. Video by Helene St. James/DFP Videolicious

The Red Wings celebrate a third-period goal by forward Darren Helm (43) during the Wings' 4-3 loss to the Oilers on Saturday, March 4, 2017 in Edmonton, Alberta.(Photo: Perry Nelson, USA TODAY Sports)

The three are finding one another with passes, keeping pucks in play, and producing.

If the Detroit Red Wings are to rise into the playoff picture and as unlikely as it is (hockey reference gives them less than a 1% chance), players wont capitulate spread-out scoring will be vital. The Wings have received goals from three lines over the past week, going 1-1-1 as they next continue their road trip Tuesday at Toronto. Sunday was a day off.

Most recently, Darren Helms line with Dylan Larkin and Justin Abdelkader is showing chemistry after being assembled mid-February. The line features speed and physicality, and over the past few games, points, too.

Were working hard and we're hunting pucks in the offensive zone, Larkin said after scoring in the last minute of Saturday's 4-3 loss at Edmonton. You play with a guy like Helmer, he is really fast, really quick, and he is going to be there first on the forecheck, and same with Justin.

All three of us like to be in there on the forecheck. We are all reading off each other now and going to the spots where we are anticipating the pucks are going. You play with two guys that are strong on pucks, it makes it fun, you can keep pucks alive in the offensive zone.

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Both Helm and Abdelkader missed significant time with injuries. It takes a while for players to be at full capability again, and now Abdelkader has four points in the past three games, and Helm has scored in two straight games.

I just feel like I am handling the puck a little bit better, skating a little bit harder, Helm said. We seem to have a little bit of chemistry with Abby and Larks and that makes it a lot easier.

The three of us are pretty smart players, with some speed. We are working hard, that is the main thing right now. We are getting on pucks, we are reading off each other and being available. Things are clicking right now.

Zetterberg scorching: When Henrik Zetterberg assisted on two goals Saturday, it was his fourth two-assist game in the past six games. Overall he has one goal and nine assists in that span.

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Contact Helene St. James: hstjames@freepress.com. Follow her on Twitter @helenestjames.

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Red Wings' Helm, Abdelkader, Larkin enjoying chemistry, productivity - Detroit Free Press

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