As the Detroit News’s Ted Kulfan notes, Dylan Larkin was mired in a 17-game goal-less streak prior to Tuesday’s game against Philadelphia, but the Red Wings’ expectations of Larkin in terms of his overall play have not diminished:
“Dylan has played real good and hasn’t gotten rewarded with points,” [Red Wings coach Jeff] Blashill said. “That can be a hard thing but he’s stayed with it. He’s done a real good job of playing a 200-foot game. That’s what’s going to make him a great player in this league. He’s got to be a 200-foot player to be a great player. He understands that. He’s a guy who can certainly produce offense. (It) was good for him to get rewarded a little bit. He’s had chances and hasn’t got rewarded.”
Now in his third pro season, Larkin continues to display a work ethic that has been impressive since his rookie season.
“One of the hardest-working guys on our team,” goaltender Jimmy Howard said of Larkin. “He’s one of the first guys on the ice every single day for practice and one of the last ones off – and by last one off, he’s usually out there for a solid half hour after everyone is gone. As he continues to put in the work and effort, we’ll continue to see great things from Dylan. He’s working hard to being great at both ends of the ice, he’s taken on a bigger role this year, and he’s embraced it.”
