Brady Tkachuk and Dylan Larkin have spent the last couple of weeks as teammates on the U.S. Olympic team, but come Thursday night, they’ll be back to facing off in the NHL. The camaraderie of the Olympics gives way to the intensity of the NHL playoff race, with Larkin now focused on breaking the Red Wings’ nine-year playoff drought.
Thursday’s matchup between the Red Wings and the Ottawa Senators promises to be a spectacle, especially with Tkachuk's reputation for being a formidable force against Detroit.
The Red Wings are currently sitting on 72 points with 24 games left in the season. Last year, 91 points were enough to snag a wildcard spot in the Eastern Conference.
If this holds true, Detroit needs to go 9-14-1 to make it. However, if the bar is raised to 95 points, they’ll need to finish 11-12-1.
The journey begins Thursday at 7 p.m.
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Sadly, Serge Lajeunesse, Detroit’s 1970 first-round draft pick, has passed away at the age of 75.
Former Red Wings player Tomas Tatar was visibly emotional after Slovakia's loss in the bronze medal game.
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Patrick Kane, a Buffalo native, had hoped to join the 2026 Olympic team but was sidelined by injuries. Nonetheless, he celebrated the U.S. gold medal victory with enthusiasm.
“What a moment for USA Hockey,” Kane remarked after practice. “It’s been a long time since 1980, and the way the game unfolded, it seemed like Canada had the upper hand.
But Hellebuyck was outstanding in goal. Canada had their chances, but I’m thrilled for the guys I know on the team, like the Hughes brothers and Larks.
The excitement they’re feeling must be incredible.”
Kane also praised Larkin’s performance.
“The way Larkin played in the 4 Nations and the Olympics, he really embraced his role and shone. I’m thrilled for him, not just for his contributions to USA Hockey but also for what he brings to the Red Wings. He’s incredibly deserving.”
Andrew Copp, a former teammate of Hellebuyck, shared his admiration for the goalie.
“I’m glad he had his moment,” Copp said. “He’s arguably the best American goalie ever.”