Dylan Larkin returned to the Detroit Red Wings lineup and immediately showed his willingness to defend a teammate.
The NHL star scored and added an assist in Detroit’s 5-3 win over the Ottawa Senators. He also became involved in a late-second-period scrum after a hit involving Alex DeBrincat.
Larkin chased down Ridly Greig and confronted Thomas Chabot as players from both teams gathered. He received a two-minute minor penalty for roughing.
MORE: Detroit Red Wings get another trade request after Dylan Larkin blow
Speaking with Daniella Bruce after the game, Larkin explained why he stepped in.
“I didn’t like the hit because it was, you know, Cat’s our best player and just thought it was late,” Larkin said. “You could kind of see it coming and it’s like, I don’t know, right? You just don’t want to see it.”
Larkin said he appreciated seeing his teammates join the confrontation.
“I went in there and it was nice when I got up to see the four other guys on the ice in there with me,” he said. “So that’s what it’s all about and it’s important in a team game.”
Dylan Larkin makes emotional return to Detroit’s lineup
The game marked Larkin’s season debut after he missed the opening games with an upper-body injury.
His return came amid a turbulent period that included his trade request and the loss of his captaincy. He also faced boos from Detroit fans during his first home game.
Larkin said the emotions were difficult to separate from the importance of returning.
“There’s a lot of emotions, but, you know, I think just happy to be a hockey player today,” he said.
The 30-year-old quickly made an impact, scoring in the first period before assisting on DeBrincat’s goal in the second.
DeBrincat finished with two goals and an assist, while John Gibson made 22 saves for Detroit.
MORE: Red Wings coach reacts to Dylan Larkin facing opening-night boos
Larkin’s response also showed why his teammates still value his presence despite the uncertainty surrounding his future. His decision to defend DeBrincat reflected the team-first approach he wanted to bring back to the ice.
“We needed this win today,” Larkin said. “That was most important.”
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