With just one goal in his last 10 games, Dylan Larkin is stuck on 19 goals as he tries to become the first Detroit rookie since current captain Henrik Zetterberg (22 in 2002-03) to record a 20-goal season, but don’t dare suggest to the Red Wings that Larkin is slumping.
“What Dylan can bring, even on the nights he doesn’t score, is his speed,… Detroit coach Jeff Blashill said. “He can back teams off, especially with him and AA (Andreas Athanasiou) together, their speed can back teams off.
“I thought they made a mistake or two defensively the other night (against Colorado) that we can improve on. I also know they spent time putting the other team on their heels.
“It’s a game of momentum and lots of times it’s who gets on their heels.…
Larkin also isn’t overly stressed about the lack of goals coming off his stick lately, as long as team goals continue to be met.
“I think it’s been not tough, the team’s been winning, but it’s something you’re going to have to find a way to work through, find a way to help the team and be more effective,… Larkin said. “There’s been some adversity with myself, being sick, battling through that. Different lines, things have been switched up. I’m just trying to find a way to be consistent.…
One thing Larkin is certain about is that his current goal drought has nothing to do with him hitting the mythical wall during his inaugural NHL campaign. He insists his energy level is high and that he’s feeling strong.
“Yeah, I do,… Larkin said. “It was tough when I had the flu there to feel energetic. I do feel every time I’m always excited to come to the rink. It’s hockey. I love playing it.
“There’s nothing I’d rather be doing. I like being on the road. The travel’s been awesome.
“I don’t feel a grind at all.…
In fact, Larkin has been devising a solution to his scoring drought.
“I think I could be shooting more,… Larkin said. “I’ve been passing up a lot. I think I’ve got to shoot a little more and maybe try to focus on that and see how it goes.
“I’m not stressed about goals. For myself I think I’ve overachieved what my expectations were. I think it’s just a little bit of a bonus, so I think I’m going to try and shoot the puck more and try and create more offense and have more patience.…
Pavel Power Tuesday’s game winner against Dallas was the eighth regular-season overtime goal of Pavel Datsyuk’s NHL career.
“He’s still got a lot of life in him,… goalie Jimmy Howard said of Datsyuk, 37. “He still acts like he’s in his 20s. He’s got great sense of humor and it’s no surprise.
“We see it night in and night out, how hard Pav works and when he comes through for us, but it’s no surprise for us because he’s so gifted.…
According to the Elias Sports Bureau, that total puts Datsyuk fourth all-time among Red Wings players. Sergei Fedorov (12) is the career leader with Detroit and Steve Yzerman and Brendan Shanahan, with nine each, are the only other Wings with more OT markers than Datsyuk.
Pavel is an elite, elite player,… Detroit coach Jeff Blashill said. “I don’t care how old he is. He’s an elite player in the league. He’s one of the best in the league still today.
“He’s unbelievably competitive. He wins pucks and he plays such a complete game.
“He’s a special player.…
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