Detroit Red Wings: Dylan Larkin red-hot start a bit different than usual

The Detroit Red Wings have been firing on all cylinders early on. The season is off to a great start. The team’s won four games in a row and continues to get things going offensively. There are some new faces who have produced well, and the Red Wings have to be happy with how things are going.

For the Detroit Red Wings, captain Dylan Larkin is a different player in 2023-24. It’s early, but he’s been a different player. Some may be confused by that, but it’s the truth. In past seasons, Larkin has been the team’s goalscorer.

He’s the one who finds the back of the net and gets it done offensively. In 2023-24, he’s been able to transform his role a bit, which is good for the Red Wings in the long run. Obviously, goal-scoring going away does not help anyone, but nine points in five games is more than okay.

Larkin has found ways to get involved by using his feet and his play-making abilities to set up scoring chances. With the team’s top power play unit, Larkin has been a menace below the goal line, orchestrating things from down low. He created two goals in the team’s victory over the Senators, doing just that.

Dylan Larkin’s a different player in 2023-24 for the Detroit Red Wings.

Through the Red Wings’ first five games of the 2023-24 campaign, Larkin has scored two goals and added seven assists for nine total points. He’s a plus one, and seven of his points have come with a man advantage.

It speaks to Detroit’s success on the power play and Larkin’s ability to make things happen and create scoring chances. Sure, it is easier to do so in a 5-on-4 situation, but it’s worth noting that Detroit’s captain has been performing as more of a playmaker than solely a goalscorer.

Frankly, it’s always seemed like Larkin would thrive better in that role, and with Alex DeBrincat on his line, it should allow him to settle into that role. DeBrincat does well when he’s got support around him, and having Larkin there on that top line should only allow for Detroit to see plenty of offense from that top line.

While the reason for Larkin’s success early on is the team’s power play success, he’s also been seeing the ice well. He’s used his time well in 5-on-4 situations and has been able to help the Red Wings get it done.

Larkin may be a bit of a different player in 2023-24, and that’s okay. He’s off to an exceptional start, as is the entire Red Wings team. Hopefully, he can string together an outstanding season for Detroit this year.