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Detroit Red Wings: Spreading some Holiday Cheer

By Bob Heyrman

TORONTO, ON - DECEMBER 23: Michael Rasmussen #27 of the Detroit Red Wings celebrates his goal with teammates Niklas Kronwall #55, Nick Jensen #3, Dylan Larkin #71 and Gustav Nyquist #14 during the first period against the Toronto Maple Leafs at the Scotiabank Arena on December 23, 2018 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Mark Blinch/NHLI via Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - DECEMBER 23: Michael Rasmussen #27 of the Detroit Red Wings celebrates his goal with teammates Niklas Kronwall #55, Nick Jensen #3, Dylan Larkin #71 and Gustav Nyquist #14 during the first period against the Toronto Maple Leafs at the Scotiabank Arena on December 23, 2018 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Mark Blinch/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Len Redkoles/NHLI via Getty Images) /

Dylan Larkin has been by far the Detroit Red Wings most reliable skater night in and night out.  The shoe in to be the next captain of the historic franchise is thriving in a leadership role this season in the absence of former captain Henrik Zetterberg.

Larkin has done everything well this season.  He is on the power-play, he contributes on the penalty kill, and he is lethal during 3 on 3 overtime play.  Larkin has been able to thrive with all the extra open ice during overtime.  He uses his speed to his advantage to create scoring chances.

When you watch the kid, he just looks the part of a leader.  He is barking on the bench to the forwards, he busts his hump on the backcheck, and he is not afraid to jump in to partake in some of the rough stuff.

The scrap with Josh Bailey stands out in my memory.  Kronwall leveled Andres Lee, the captain for the New York Islanders with a clean Kronwall’d hit.  The next shift Kronner played, Josh Bailey hit him with a high hit and sort of helped him to the ice in the corner to the left of the Detroit Red Wings goal.

Larkin took exception to that and met Bailey at center ice for an exchange of fists.  Larkin was so fired up after the scrap he spun his helmet on the ice, and as he was being escorted to the dressing room (because the fight happened with less than 5 minutes left in the period) he was gesturing to his bench to get going!

Larkin leads the Detroit Red Wings with nearly a point per game clip.  Through 38 games this season he has buried 15 goals, 21 assists to account for 36 points.  He is a minus -2 on the season yet he is playing on average 21:46 TOI per game.  His 3 game-winning goals have all come in overtime.  The kid is money in extra time.

Maybe the most impressive statistic Larks has provided this season is his effectiveness in the faceoff circle.  In each of his first three seasons, Larkin failed to eclipse a 50% success rate.  This season Larkin is 55% successful in the dot.

Enjoy this kid, although we are currently in the midst or the beginning of a rebuild, however you see it.  Larkin is a player that will be here when this ship sets sail again.  Though the losses may start to mount, this kid will continue to play hard.  Watch him with envy, knowing brighter days are ahead.

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