Red Wings Linemates About To Become First-Time Foes

What happens when Detroit Red Wings linemates become foes?

Dylan Larkin and Lucas Raymond are about to find out.

When the USA and Sweden wrap up round-robin play in the 4 Nations Face-Off on Monday (8 p.m. EST) in Boston, Red Wings captain Larkin (USA) and linemate Raymond (Sweden) will be opposing each other for the first time during their professional hockey careers.

“Yeah, it’s weird,” Raymond admitted. “Yeah, we talked about it a little bit.

“Obviously we’re very good friends off the ice, so first time playing against each other will be a little special. We’ve joked around a little bit, but yeah, it’s gonna be fun seeing him on the other team, you would imagine.”

Everything could be on the line in this Sweden vs USA game.

“Yeah, I mean, you go from hanging out every day, playing with each other to all of a sudden playing against each other in a big stage like that where it’s a lot of emotions involved, a high compete level,” Raymond said.

For those wondering if this tournament was going to mean anything to these players this says it all … #4Nations pic.twitter.com/IecVAr00es

— Chris Pronger (@chrispronger) February 16, 2025

Or the game could wind up being virtually meaningless.

The 2-0 Americans are locked into Thursday’s final of this NHL best-on-best tournament. Canada, Sweden and Finland are all deadlocked with two points. Each has a chance to be the other finalist.

However, if either Canada or Finland win their 1 p.m. game in regulation time, then that country will earn the other spot in the final. Sweden would be eliminated.

The Swedes need the Canada-Finland game to go to overtime. Then if they beat the USA in regulation, it would be a Sweden vs USA final.

Both players are enjoying strong tournaments. Larkin netted the game winner and drew an assist on the insurance goal as the USA beat Canada 3-1. Raymond has dished out three assists over two games.

Red Wings Larkin Expecting To Have Fun

No matter what ends up being on the line, Larkin is getting a lot of enjoyment out of the thought of lining up against his Detroit linemate.

“It’ll be fun,” Larkin said. “Obviously he’s having a heck of a year. He means so much to our team.”

That thought will actually be in the back of Larkin’s mind as he’s opposing Raymond.

"Put this jersey on… it's what dreams are made of." 🇺🇸

Dylan Larkin joins @sportsnetkyle to discuss tonight's #4Nations Face-Off matchup between USA and Canada. pic.twitter.com/CObd4iVWzD

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) February 16, 2025

“Proceed with caution with him,” Larkin said. “We want to win and you want to play well, but he’s my buddy and you look out for him and smile.”

Raymond admitted he’s pondered the notion of what might be if he and Larkin end up in a board battle for the puck.

“I don’t know what I’ll do if I see him in the corner next to me,” Raymond said. “But it’ll be a good time.”