Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin breaks his silence on his season-low performance stretch
Photo credit: NHL.COM
The Detroit Red Wings have been at an all-time low as of late without their captain Dylan Larkin's full capabilities, and he's well aware of it, addressing his struggles to the media in his latest interview.
Concerns have been raised as of late due to the disappearance of Dylan Larkin's on-ice performances.
Since the Red Wings captain returned from a disappointing gold-medal game loss at the 4 Nations Face-off tournament, he hasn't nearly been involved in the teams production while going on a 11-game pointless stretch.
Although he is currently under scrutiny from some fans, Larkin is not shying away from taking accountability.
«I always try and just go out there and play the next shift and play as hard as I can and try and lead by example, try and calm the storm on the ice,» Larkin was telling reporters following Thursday's practice. «And that's when I try and lead by example and do the talking on the ice.»
It's now been five games since we've witnessed Dylan Larkin record a point, and six without a goal.
«Been battling,» Larkin admitted. «Trying to play defense and check for chances. I've been trying to work and work as hard as possible, and I've been pleased with that. But it is what it is.»
Unfortunately, 'it is what it is' is not just as subtle as that. The Red Wings' goal scoring has been quite low, and it's outlasted strong performances from their goaltending as of late, ultimately leading to their fall off from the playoff race.
Todd McLellan refrains from calling out Dylan Larkin
McLellan hasn't shied away from dealing callouts to his captain this season, previously calling out his absence before taking part in their Stadium Series matchup against the Columbus Blue Jackets.
«I can't beat around the bush - he was missing. He's a big boy, he can handle hearing that. He's going to hear it from me. Just a lot of mishandles, unsure plays that he usually makes.»
But now, he's giving words of wisdom:
«When you're wearing the C, you've got to be like steel,» Detroit coach Todd McLellan said. «He's trying to give us what he has right now. And, you know, like anybody, we expect a lot from him. He's kind of the senior serving guy. And he's working his way through, but there's no doubt we'll need him and the rest of his teammates down the stretch. Not just him, but everybody else.»
The once top power play unit in the NHL has quickly fallen off the podium, going 3-for-15 in their past five games.
Larkin also takes accountability for that
«I feel like on the power play, I haven't been contributing,» Larkin said. «And I think as a bumper, part of that is relying on other guys and also relying on getting loose stuff around the net. I feel like I've been probably moving around too much and not in position.»
It's good that Larkin is recognizing the need for him to step up his game, but unfortunately it's too late in the season.
| POLL | ||
AVRIL 3 | 195 ANSWERS Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin breaks his silence on his season-low performance stretch Do you think Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin is battling an injury that the organization is hiding from us? | ||
| Yes | 151 | 77.4 % |
| No | 44 | 22.6 % |
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