The Detroit Red Wings await the return of their captain from the Olympics. However, Dylan Larkin won’t be returning to the team alone. Larkin is being accompanied by a gold medal after the United States defeated Canada in the final game of the tournament.
Larkin came into this season with lofty goals, and a belief he could accomplish them. For Detroit, the team is trying to return to the playoffs for the first time in a decade. Larkin was also determined to represent the USA at the 2026 Olympics. He fully believed the team could take home the gold. His belief in Detroit’s ability to return to the post season is equally as strong.
Still, there’s a long road ahead for Detroit in the final 24 games of the season. The team has just a 7 point lead over teams that are outside of the wild card race. Thus, Detroit will have to battle and play their best hockey in over a decade to see the playoffs once again. It’s a tall task, but right now Larkin is brimming with confidence after an historic feat on the Olympic stage.
Can Red Wings get an Olympic bump?
Larkin was one of three Red Wings players to attend the tournament Lucas Raymond and Moritz Seider both represented their countries at the games. However, neither Sweden nor Germany were able to advance to the medal rounds. Still, both players made their mark and played well for their teams.
Lucas Raymond made history by becoming the first Swedish player to record back to back 3 point games at the Olympics. Moritz Seider had over 131 minutes of ice time in five games for Germany. Accordingly, both players have been getting recognized by their peers as rising stars in the NHL.
The Olympic break could end up being a defining piece of the Red Wings season. Larkin, Raymond and Seider are core players for Detroit. All three have a lot to be proud of in the wake of their Olympic debuts. Their return could bring an injection of confidence and energy that the could drive the team forward.
Last season’s “Four Nations” return was a disaster for the Red Wings. However, Larkin and Raymond both appeared to be fighting injuries. Larkin was fresh off of a disappointing loss in the final game, and exhausted. Conversely, this year all three players seem healthy. And for Dylan Larkin, the emotions couldn’t be more different right now.
Simon Edvinsson is nearing a return
Larkin, Raymond and Seider weren’t the only players that benefitted from the Olympic shut down. Defenseman Simon Edvinsson is nearing a return to the ice. Edvinsson underwent surgery and the three week break allowed him to heal and rehabilitate. Edvinsson has been skating with the team, however he’s not yet been fully cleared.
Edvinsson, along with Seider, have brought new life to Detroit’s blue line the season. The two have been hailed as one of the top defensive pairings in the NHL. Having both players healthy will be critical to Detroit’s success in the final 24 games. Edvinsson has earned praise from the coaches and his teammates for his development. Thus, everyone is excited to see the 22 year old back on the ice. Detroit will return to action tomorrow as they face the Ottawa Senators.
