Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin spoke with DetroitRedWings.com’s Jonathan Mills regarding scoring a goal and adding an assist in Saturday’s 3-1 Team USA win over Canada at the Four Nations Face-Off:
“It’s still settling in,” Larkin told DetroitRedWings.com on Sunday afternoon. “It was a big goal for our team and honestly, kind of cool to say for our country and USA Hockey. It felt great to contribute to the win like that on a stage like that. A big game with all the big players, so it was really special. It’s something I’m proud of and will be for a long time.”
For Larkin, having his family on hand to share the moment at Bell Centre made his highlight-reel goal that much more memorable.
“My family means the world to me,” Larkin said. “To have that moment and see them, and for my wife to be there as well, is just so special. My family has helped me all along the way. They’re my biggest supporters and fans. I know my dad, mom, brother and wife were just beaming with pride and that’s really everything to me. It was such a cool moment.”
Larkin, who recorded his first points of the 4 Nations Face-Off on Saturday, is averaging 13:46 of ice time through the first two games of the tournament. The 28-year-old forward said he’s enjoyed every aspect of the international event so far and is eager for what lies ahead.
“It’s been a great experience,” Larkin said. “Even off the ice, getting to know the guys and being on a big stage like this, then on the ice it’s been unbelievable. Honestly, I knew it was going to be high paced, fast and intense but it’s really been the next level in terms of the speed and skill of the players. It’s been everything I thought it was going to be and more, but then again, it’s something I’m really fortunate to be part of.”
Larkin also told Mills that he’s ready to renew acquaintances with his friend and Red Wings teammate, Lucas Raymond, as the Americans will battle Sweden on Monday night (8 PM EST start on TNT/TruTV/MAX/Sportsnet):
“I can’t wait to see him,” Larkin said about Lucas Raymond, who leads Sweden with three points (all assists) in two tournament games. “I haven’t talked to him, which is rare, and I miss him. I can’t wait to play against him. We’ve talked about it a lot leading up to this tournament. With the speed and skill of these games, they’ve been so intense, those guys are going to want to win and try to get into the championship. It’s going to be another big game, and [Raymond] is a big-game player, so we’re going to have to watch out for him. I don’t think I’ll be giving too many of his secrets away. I’ll probably keep those for myself and try to shut him down.”
