Dylan Larkin’s epic season on the man advantage must continue
While Patrick Kane is the most notable name in Detroit, no one has contributed to the same extent as Dylan Larkin. He’s always been a solid performer throughout his eight-and-a-half seasons with the Red Wings, but he’s taken things up a rung through 44 games this season.
So far, Larkin has 47 points and 23 goals, both of which will encroach his career-high numbers should such production continue. But what he’s done on the man advantage at times has decided games for the Red Wings, with eight power play goals and 11 assists.
This is a continuation of what we saw from the Red Wings top scorer last season when he scored one more goal on the man advantage (16) than he did at even strength. His 15 assists at 5-on-4 last year gave him 31 power play points and 79 in all situations, so this productivity is nothing new for the 27-year-old.
If Larkin keeps this pace going or even improves it, Detroit has a better chance not only to win those close games, but to finally separate themselves overall. He only needs to stay healthy down the stretch to do his part in putting the Red Wings in playoff position.