Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin and Team Sweden forward Lucas Raymond were both held off the scoresheet in Team USA’s 2-1 loss to Sweden last night in Boston, and several pundits weighed in on the teams’ player performances.
Sportsnet’s Sonny Sachdeva was not impressed with Raymond’s performance…
Lucas Raymond: 6 / 10
The young Detroit Red Wings talisman left much to be desired on the Americans’ lone goal, with a half-hearted backcheck that left Chris Kreider open to bury the game’s first tally 35 seconds into the game. But aside from that early stumble, he came up with some quality moments, once again looking calm and collected with the puck on his stick. He finishes the tournament as Sweden’s highest-scoring forward, with three points through three games.
But Sportsnet’s Emily Sadler gave Larkin a better grade…
Dylan Larkin 7/10
Larkin’s had an eventful tournament, and on Monday night brought a jolt of energy early to a lineup that needed it. He generated a handful of scoring chances in the first frame, and while he was held off the scoresheet, Sullivan should be happy with his efforts.
And Daily Faceoff’s Steven Ellis had this to say about Larkin:
#21 Dylan Larkin, C (Detroit Red Wings): Play him more! Every single game, the puck has spent significantly more time in the offensive zone than the alternative. Larkin has had such a positive impact on this team, with his Corsi being completely on his side all night long. Larkin is USA’s secret weapon, and he’s going to be important in the final.
