NOTEBOOK: Red Wings view upcoming four-game road trip as 'a huge reset'

DETROIT -- Three days after the Detroit Red Wings fell, 8-3, on the road to the Buffalo Sabres last Monday, they responded with a 3-1 win over the Washington Capitals.

And after dropping an 8-2 decision to the visiting New York Rangers on Thursday, captain Dylan Larkin said he wants the Red Wings to quickly put the past behind them.
"We did a great job of it in Buffalo," Larkin said. "That one stung. Guys were pissed off, but you have to forget about it."
From Nov. 12-19, Detroit will travel to face three straight California opponents, battling the Los Angeles Kings, Anaheim Ducks and San Jose Sharks before wrapping up its longest road trip to date this season at the Columbus Blue Jackets.
"We gotta figure it out from within," Larkin said. "I'm excited to get on the road and get, hopefully, a different feel. I think it could be good for the team."

Head coach Derek Lalonde, who said the Red Wings can "play with anyone" when they're at the top of their game, views the four-game road trek as a chance to get back on track.
"I think a reset," Lalonde said. "That was five games in eight days. We looked tired. I could feel it in practice (on Wednesday). Even through two periods (on Thursday), at 2-2, we didn't really have the same pop that we had in the last couple games. I think it's a huge reset."

Bertuzzi could return to lineup as early as next Tuesday

Tyler Bertuzzi's return, according to Lalonde, is on the horizon.
On Wednesday, Lalonde said the 27-year-old forward, health permitting, could be available for next Tuesday's road tilt at Anaheim. And for Lalonde, bringing Bertuzzi back into the mix will provide a boost of offense.
"He's an elite scorer, our best scorer" Lalonde said. "As great as our defense has been, chances for have been down, which is understandable. He would help with some offense."
Bertuzzi, who has been sidelined with an upper-body injury since blocking a shot in Detroit's 5-2 win at the New Jersey Devils on Oct. 15, said he's fortunate to have been able to "work out, skate and stay in shape" during his recovery.

"It's just one of those things that obviously you can't control," Bertuzzi said. "Just a random shot that got me in the right spot. It was going to be four weeks probably, so it's not as bad as we anticipated."
Before the injury, Bertuzzi had one assist through two games.
"Now it's just a matter of when I feel good enough to play," Bertuzzi said. "And I can just jump right in."
Last season, Bertuzzi recorded his first 30-goal campaign while setting new career highs in assists (32), points (62) and game-winning goals (five) in 68 games.
"I'm excited to come back," Bertuzzi said. "The guys have been doing really well and gelling together. The new guys have been awesome."

Smith assigned to Grand Rapids

On Friday morning, the
Red Wings assigned Givani Smith to the American Hockey League's Grand Rapids Griffins. 
The 24-year-old forward has appeared in two games with Detroit this season.