The Detroit Red Wings dropped two crucial games to the Columbus Blue Jackets, a setback that could prove costly as the race for the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs tightens in the Eastern Conference. However, after the 5-3 defeat at The Horseshoe in Columbus, Dylan Larkin made a glass-half-full admission.
The tension was palpable, as the Ohio State vs. Michigan rivalry was disguised in a marquee matchup between the Red Wings and Blue Jackets. The iconic venue in Columbus has hosted dozens of editions of āThe Game,ā but none quite like the alternate version the NHL put on display Saturday night.
The Stadium Series in Columbus completed a home-and-home duel between the two franchises, in which the Blue Js came out on top in both games. As Columbus and Detroit battle it out for a postseason berth, these regulation losses could become a burden for the Wings.
However, Dylan Larkin didnāt dwell on the defeat; instead, he voiced a heartfelt message, praising the opposition and making a bold confession about the cross-state rivals.
Dylan Larkin #71 of the Detroit Red Wings waits during the national anthem prior to playing against the New Jersey Devils at the Prudential Center on October 12, 2023 in Newark, New Jersey.
āI know we just lost to those guys twice, but you know what those guys have been through,ā Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin admitted, via NHL.com. āAnd, you know, knowing Zach [Werenski] personally, like theyāve been through the ringer and this city, this night was special.
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Patrick Kane praises Red Wingsā team spirit despite loss to Blue Jackets at Ohio Stadium
āI hope Mr. and Mrs. Gaudreau had something to smile about tonight. I want both of our teams in the playoffs, and I think those guys have quite the story going right now. And sometimes itās bigger than the game. Those guys are doing something that I tip my cap to and can appreciate.ā
Emotions running high
Columbus is playing for so much more than two points night in and night out, and it clearly shows in the excellent season they have put on so far. Playing to honor the ever-lasting legacy of Johnny Gaudreau, the Blue Jackets have shocked the NHL, remaining in the playoff hunt when most expected them to be in the bottom half of the standings.
Larkin doesnāt forget his roots
Larkin, a former Michigan Wolverines, couldnāt live down his college memories as he played in front of a packed-out crowd at his alma mater eternal rivalās home in Columbus.
Dylan Larkin #71 of the Detroit Red Wings skates against Dante Fabbro #15 of the Columbus Blue Jackets during the first period of the 2025 NHL Stadium Series at Ohio Stadium on March 01, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio.
āItās probably the ugliest stadium Iāve ever been in,ā Larkin stated before puck drop, giving Blue Jackets and Buckeyes fans more material for the bulletin board. If the freezing weather in Columbus had already gotten under the skin of the 90,000 fans in attendance, Larkinās comment certainly boiled their blood.
