The Daily: Trump Calls Team USA; Larkin Ready

Dylan Larkin will be on a line with J.T. Miller and Matt Boldy (via faceoff.com) tonight when USA meets Canada in the NHL game.

The important news for the Americans is that Brady Tkachuk is expected to be ready to play. He was injured in USA’s loss to Sweden earlier in the week.

The other news was President Donald Trump called the team, talking for five minutes, today to wish players luck against Canada.

“It was a distinct honor,” coach Mike Sullivan told NHL.com. “Politics aside, when the president of the United States takes the time to speak to our players, it’s an incredible honor. I think it’s an indication, once again, of the impact that this tournament has had on people in the United States. People are paying attention and so I think that’s a credit to all the players that have been involved and their commitment to excellence and how competitive these games have been.”

From USA vs Canada, loved this interview with Dylan Larkin.

You can hear how much being part of this tournament means to the players. And the last answer shows why he’s a captain. Great perspective for all young hockey players out there. pic.twitter.com/PLGkE1QhAv

— Emily Kaplan (@emilymkaplan) February 17, 2025

Larkin has probably enhanced his reputation as much as any American player. He netted the game-winning goal and set-up the insurance goal in USA’s 3-1 win against Canada last Saturday.

The Detroit captain will return to the team in time to play Saturday against the Minnesota Wild.

J.T. Miller on Trump's call: "It was so awesome to get his support. It's a pretty big deal for him to take time out of his schedule to talk to us for five minutes. It's just another one of those things where we're kind of pinching ourselves this tournament." https://t.co/EWdQQrRxmn

— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) February 20, 2025

Red Wings In Case You Missed

The Griffins are looking for Amadeus Lombardi to help refuel their offense for the remainder of the season.

If the Red Wings’ playoff chances come down to their final games, the team could be in trouble. Five of their last six are on the road.

Coach Todd McLellan says his players need to show the hockey world who they are. Right now, NHL folks don’t know whether they are the team we all saw before Christmas or the one we saw post-Christmas when McLellan was in charge.

Red Wings Extra

Lucas Raymond will practice Friday with the Red Wings in preparation for Saturday’s matinee game against the Minnesota Wild (12:30, ABC).

Hockey Now Network

Boston: Defenseman Charlie McAvoy is still hospitalized. His upper body injury could have a lasting impact on the Boston Bruins.

Colorado: Colleen Flynn looks at the pros and cons of the Avalanche’s 4 Nations Face-off break. Colorado Avalanche. 

Pittsburgh: Dave Molinari’s tribute piece about the late broadcaster Mike Lange is must-read journalism. Pittsburgh Penguins. 

San Jose: Goalie Yaroslav Askarov suffered an injury during an American Hockey League game. San Jose Sharks.