Many Layers To Red Wings’ Stadium Series Appearance

Detroit Red Wings captain and Michigan man Dylan Larkin didn’t beat around the bush when it came to his assessment of the hockey environment set up inside of Ohio Stadium for Saturday’s NHL Stadium Series game against the Columbus Blue Jackets.

“It’s probably the ugliest stadium I’ve ever been in,” Larkin suggested.

Granted, the bitterness of the Ohio State vs Michigan rivalry might be coloring Larkin’s opinion somewhat. At the same time, that Michigan vs Ohio factor is just one of many layers making this arguably the NHL’s most enticing outdoor game ever.

“For sure,” Red Wings forward Lucas Raymond said. “I mean, I think it adds to it.

“With the Michigan-Ohio rivalry and obviously the importance of a game where the standings is at, but at the same time, I think most guys enjoy playing those type of games. It’s a big-time game and I think most guys thrive in those environments.”

Stadium Series Squad pic.twitter.com/Gs8SCWdQwV

— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) March 1, 2025

That’s the other factor ramping up the intensity of this game. The Red Wings and Blue Jackets are deadlocked in the standings with 66 points. Both sit tied for seventh overall in the Eastern Conference. This game could play a vital role in determining playoff seedings, or even playoff appearances for that matter.

Add in the fact that Columbus whipped Detroit 5-2 on Thursday at Little Caesars Arena and there’s another element for the Red Wings to embrace. They’d love to spoil the first outdoor appearance ever made by the Blue Jackets franchise.

“This one, it has a lot at stake to it,” Detroit forward Patrick Kane said. “Especially with them coming into our building (Thursday) night and taking two points from us.

“We’d like to do the same to them here in Columbus.”

Red Wings Larkin Recalls Rivalry

Friday, 11th-ranked Michigan won 4-3 at No. 8 Ohio State in an NCAA men’s hockey game. While the Buckeyes and Wolverines have contested many intense battles on this football field, the hockey showdowns between the two schools have generally leaned to a Maize and Blue hue.

“We beat them pretty good,” recalled Larkin, one of four ex-Wolverines on the Red Wings roster.

STADIUM SERIES GAME DAY!

🏒 6:00 P.M.
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📻 @971theticketxyt pic.twitter.com/ADOYMTpeno

— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) March 1, 2025

The Blue Jackets beat the Red Wings pretty good on Thursday. Knowing what’s on the line, the Detroit players understand how important it is to return that favor while skating in the great outdoors.

“Obviously, with with the scenario that we’re in with with Columbus and being head-to-head with them in a wild card spot, this game’s super important,” Detroit center Joe Veleno said. “Yeah, we came here to obviously enjoy the moment, but we also came here to do a job and and that is to get two points.”