Dylan Larkin's determination keyed much-needed victory over Bruins

Detroit — One play early in Friday’s game went a long way toward stopping what was a disheartening losing streak for the Red Wings.

Dylan Larkin was determined to not have the contest against Boston go down the road 12 of the last 13 Wings’ games had gone — the road of another defeat.

Larkin’s end-to-end rush, capped by a nice wraparound goal, erased the sting of a first-minute goal by Boston, and got the Wings — and Little Caesars Arena — back into the game.

“I just wanted to get the puck and put it in the net,” Larkin said after Saturday’s practice. “I was more driven (than anything). I did have a good feeling when I picked up the puck. Right when I got it, I felt like I was going to make something happen.”

Coach Jeff Blashill said after the 4-2 victory Larkin’s goal was a pivotal play, a much-needed play considering the way things had been going for the Wings lately.

After Larkin’s goal, the Wings settled down, played one of their best all-around games in weeks — helped by two power-play goals by newly acquired Robby Fabbri — and earned a badly needed win.

“It’s huge,” Larkin said of the victory. “Just to get that, the way we played is the way we need to play. It was an emotional victory.

“We need channel that into (Sunday against Vegas), tomorrow is a new game. Just because we won the last game doesn’t take anything for granted, so we’re going to have come out with the same intensity and energy we did (Friday).”

Fighting spirit

Defenseman Filip Hronek is known for his in-your-face style and competitiveness but not necessarily fighting.

Hronek got into his first NHL fight Friday against Boston’s ultra-pest Brad Marchand.

Frankly, it surprised Hronek it got that far.

“I was surprised he dropped (his gloves),” Hronek said. “I don’t know, I just looked at him and he dropped (the gloves). If he tries to (throw first punch), why shouldn’t I respond?”

Hronek’s teammates felt his willingness to battle Marchand was another huge, positive development in the victory.

“It was clear that line (the high-scoring Patrice Bergeron line) was frustrated and Fil and Nemo (Patrik Nemeth) were going against them all night and didn’t give them much," Larkin said.

“That’s the way he (Hronek) has to play and he’s willing to play like that. It’s great to see a young player coming into our lineup and make an impact in all facets of the game. He battles every night.”

Injury update

While forward Luke Glendening (hand) appears to be progressing toward a return soon, it sounds like defenseman Danny DeKeyser (lower body) remains some time away.

DeKeyser has missed nine games since last playing Oct. 22 in Vancouver.

“I can’t remember what the original time frame was, but it’s the same,” Blashill said. “He skated a little bit on his own, but I don’t expect him to be back anytime soon.”

Glendening is skating with the team but still is limited with his shooting and stickwork. 

Both players were projected to be gone approximately a month.

Golden Knights at Red Wings

Faceoff: 5 p.m. Sunday, Little Caesars Arena, Detroit

TV/radio: FSD/97.1

Outlook: Vegas (9-5-3) is looking like one of the powers in the Western Conference. It has the second-ranked penalty kill in the NHL (89.2 percent). Right wing Mark Stone (18 points), center William Karlsson (16 points), and goalie Marc-Andre Fleury (9-3-1, .924 save percentage) lead a deep, talented roster.

ted.kulfan@detroitnews.com

Twitter: @tkulfan