Wings' Larkin accepts coach's criticism, not 'thrilled' with his own play

Ted Kulfan, The Detroit News on Mar 1, 2025

Published in Hockey

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COLUMBUS, Ohio — Dylan Larkin heard the sharp criticism from his coach and accepted it.

The Red Wings' captain was called out, among others, after Thursday's 5-2 loss to Columbus by coach Todd McLellan for their ineffectiveness.

Larkin said after Friday's practice and family skate at Ohio Stadium he also would have criticized himself.

"I understand why he said it," Larkin said. "I would have said it myself if I had to spoken to you guys after the game. I wasn't happy. I haven't been thrilled with the way I've been playing."

Larkin has three points (one goal, two assists) in four games, with a minus-five rating since returning from the 4 Nations Face-Off Tournament. He doesn't have a point in the last two games, with one shot on net.

Larkin hinted he might be nursing an injury.

"I don't feel 100 percent but I'll be there," Larkin said. "I understand why he said it and I hold myself to a high standard and I wasn't happy with myself after that game."

McLellan met with Larkin before Friday's practice.

"Easy conversation," said McLellan, of talking with Larkin. "He's a captain, he cares and he's committed to doing things right. He had an off night. We all do. Coaches have off nights. Other players have off nights. He'll be ready to play and I'm excited about watching him do that."

McLellan wasn't impressed by the Larkin, Lucas Raymond and Marco Kasper line during Thursday's game, shuffling lines and singling them out as players who need to play better.

"I can't beat around the bush, he was missing," McLellan said after Thursday's game. "He's (Larkin) a big boy, he can handle hearing that. He'll hear that from me (Friday). Just a lot of mishandles, unsure plays that he usually makes. I'd like to think the 4 Nations is so far past us already. We've had enough rest. I'm not using that as an excuse, I'm not even going to go there.

"We're going to play big games and we need our big players to play big games. We'll need not just him, but more from others.

"The three of them didn't have a good night."

Raymond called Thursday's defeat a sort of learning experience, and the outdoor game can help.

"We have to improve and we have to be better," Raymond said. "At the same time, it's moments like these you want to take in as much as you can. It doesn't happen often, so it's nice to get your mind off things and get ready."

As for Larkin, Raymond said "everyone in this locker room and the coaching staff knows what Dylan is capable of. He's an elite leader on and off the ice and guys have bad games, tough stretches. It's not really a big deal. We know what we're going to get from Dylan. He's our biggest and most important player.

"It's a lot of pressure on him, there always has been, but he thrives under it as well and enjoys it."

Outdoor practice

The Wings went through a Friday night practice at Ohio Stadium, then were joined by family for a skate.

Players said that wind was a factor during practice and could be during the game at one end if conditions remain the same.

The ice was generally given a passing grade, and could even be better Saturday with somewhat cooler temperatures expected.

"The day before can be totally different from the day before," said forward Patrick Kane, who has played in six outdoor games. "I'm sure the ice will be better, it'll be a little bit colder. The wind might come into play."

Ice chips

McLellan said he's considering a lineup change but the Wings are limited in what they do because of injuries. Forward Sheldon Dries is one option of enter the lineup, if McLellan so chooses.

... Larkin ignited the Michigan-Ohio State rivalry as best he could with quick-witted comments.

"Probably the ugliest stadium I've ever been in, but it's cool to play hockey outside," Larkin said.

During Larkin's one season at Michigan, the Wolverines didn't have much of a rivalry with Ohio State.

"We beat them pretty good," Larkin said.

... This will be the first outdoor game forward Jonatan Berggren has ever been involved in, and he was a bit awed walking into Ohio Stadium.

"It was such a cool feeling and (looking) up and seeing how big everything was," Berggren said. "It was incredible."

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