Today marks the last day featuring regular season games before players head to Milan, Italy to compete in the 2026 Winter Olympics.
For the Detroit Red Wings, there are plenty of players who will be competing in the Winter Olympics, such as Dylan Larkin for Team USA, Moritz Seider for Germany, Lucas Raymond for Sweden, and Eduards Tralkmaks for Latvia. The rest of the team will go on break until returning to practice. Considering how strongly the Red Wings are playing throughout the majority of this season, would this break ruin their momentum?
Larkin spoke with FanSided's Stephanie Driver in a recent interview, and was asked about whether he was concerned about the Olympic break. Larkin said he doesn't believe the extended break will impact the Red Wings' success.
"No, I don't, and I think it's going to be really good for a group to get get some rest and get away a little bit and come back refreshed for a big push. And hopefully we're going to be playing in the postseason," Larkin told FanSided. "I think that's the expectation within the group and and you know, I know guys get 10 or 12 days off and then they come back and practice and and get ready. So, the schedule has been demanding. Guys deserve the rest and I think it's coming at a good time. Because, with playing so much there's bumps and bruises and, you know, like I said, we've been working so hard guys. Guys deserve to have a little bit of time and and freshen up for the final push."
Dylan Larkin not worried about Olympic break affecting Red Wings' success
The Red Wings have experienced incredible success so far this season, as they've been near the top of the Atlantic Division through the majority of the campaign. Based on their current record, the Red Wings look to be in prime position to make the playoffs for the first time since 2016. They came awfully close to making the cut the previous two years, but ultimately missed out. But this year, it just feels different.
Larkin addressed if the vibes felt different this season as compared to years past.
"There's an expectation and it's not really from outside noise, it's from the standard we've set," Larkin said. "When you know, even going back to last season when (Wings coach) Todd McLellan came in and and set the standard of how to win and play winning hockey and you know he holds us accountable to that and and we've responded really well and built confidence from that. So it does feel different and we're having a ton of fun with it."
After losing their final game before the break 4-1 to the Sharks, the Red Wings are currently tied for second place in the Atlantic Division with a 33-19-6 record, good enough for 72 points through 57 games. They have a full nine point lead over the first team outside of the Wild Card picture. Yes, there's still plenty of season left, but the Red Wings feel as consistent as they come.
The Wings have one of the best defensemen in the league in Seider, who is putting up a legitimate fight with Cale Makar for the Norris Trophy. Not to mention, they finally fixed their goaltending woes with the addition of John Gibson, who has a 22-11-2 record, a 2.60 goals allowed average, and a .905 save percentage.
The Red Wings have the potential to keep up the momentum after the Olympic break, and General Manager Steve Yzerman can help by making some additions at the trade deadline. But in terms of the Olympic break, Larkin does not sound worries about it affecting their play once they all return.