The Detroit Red Wings are off to a hot start and captain Dylan Larkin is a key reason why.
Larkin has spent his entire career with the Red Wings and centering the top line of Lucas Raymond and rookie Emmitt Finnie. Finnie was a seventh-round pick in 2023 and has earned his way onto the roster after a solid training camp.
Finnie has continued his success as in 6 games, he has 2 goals and 3 assists for 5 points, and Larkin called him a ‘great linemate.’
“There’s a reason why he was a captain in juniors,” Larkin said of Finnie. “He does the little things that win hockey games, and to see him score his first tonight was awesome, and sure enough, right around the net. He goes to the net hard, he plays without fear, and just a great teammate — great linemate.”
Finnie isn’t afraid to go into the dirty areas and Larkin is impressed with what he’s seen from the rookie. He’s adding some much-needed offense and youth Detroit’s lineup and he’s even gotten the praise from Larkin.
Red Wings Coach Praises Larkin
Detroit entered the season with hopes of snapping its nine-year playoff drought. However, oddsmakers had Detroit as big underdogs to make the playoffs.
Yet, to begin the season, the Red Wings have been one of the hottest teams and coach Todd McLellan is impressed with Larkin. McLellan said Larkin is everything a captain should be.
“Everything a captain should be,” McLellan said about Larkin. “Leadership — and leadership isn’t just ‘rah’rah,’ a lot of times it’s leading by example. He’s done a tremendous job. We’re early in the season, and he’s playing banged up a little bit. But everything that we should see from Dylan, we’re seeing from him right now.”
Although Larkin is getting plenty of praise for his game, he wants the credit to go to the entire team.
“We have guys contributing in ways that aren’t on the scoresheet,” Larkin said.
Larkin has recorded 5 goals and 6 assists for 11 points in 6 games this season.
The Red Wings are off to a 5-1 start and are atop the Atlantic Division and have the third-best record in the NHL.
Detroit Winning in ‘Different Ways’
The Red Wings are off to a hot start, as Detroit has been one of the major surprises to begin the NHL season.
A big reason for the Red Wings success has been Larkin and the offense. But, Detroit’s captain is pleased that the team is winning in different ways.
“I like how we’ve won in different ways,” said Larkin. “When it gets intense out there and a lot of pressure, we seem calmer. We seem like we know our jobs and we’re doing them. We’re executing. It’s not going to be perfect for 60 minutes, but how we’ve won in different ways is very encouraging.”
McLellan, meanwhile, believes the Red Wings are playing their game which is why they are playing well.
“I don’t think there’s a secret sauce,” McLellan said. “I think everybody is playing to their strengths. The goaltenders are giving us a chance to win each night. We’re not giving up 40-45 shots against, which certainly helps. Penalty kill has improved a little bit. And when all of that happens, you get a little more confident.”
Detroit returns to the ice on Wednesday on the road against the Buffalo Sabres.
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