The Detroit News’s Ted Kulfan posted a notebook article about Dylan Larkin, who’s posted 16 points in the 16 games he’s played for Detroit this season;
Larkin had 23 points (14 assists) in 44 games last season. He has seven assists this season, for 16 points in 16 games, a point-per-game average. Larkin’s best offensive season was 2018-19, when he totaled 32 goals and 41 assists, for 73 points — career-highs in both goals and points.
The way Larkin has clicked with linemates Tyler Bertuzzi and Lucas Raymond, and as long as Larkin and his linemates can stay healthy, Larkin appears capable of closing in on those statistics.
“We all can think the game,” Larkin said of the trio. “Having Lucas’ great shot, him being a righty, that’s really sparking us. He can really see the ice. He can move the puck. He’s someone for Tyler and me to look for when we’re on our forehand. We all look to make plays. We all want to get right on the puck.”
When Larkin returned to the lineup last week after the COVID scare, Larkin talked about how the disappointment of last season somewhat has helped his approach to the game.
“The highs and lows of this league, they’re pretty dramatic at times especially if you let them,” Larkin said. “At times, I’ve really let them get to me. This year, I’ve really worked on not letting that happen and whether it’s going well or not, or other things have come into your life and take you out of the lineup for a week, or you can’t play in the third period, I’m just trying not to let it get to me and be grateful I’m here.
“I was really hoping when I came back after the time away (for the family emergency), I was really hoping to have all that in the past and try to move forward. I’m looking forward to doing that and continue to play and be there for the guys and play real hard and that’s what I’ve been trying to do. Not worry about whether pucks are going in, worried most about the team, and playing a good game.”
