Larkin Talks Yzerman, Red Wings Playoff Hopes

The assessment that Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin offers of GM Steve Yzerman is not unlike the usual public perception of Stevie Y.

He’s an enigma, shrouded in mystery and cloaked in secrecy.

“I mean this respectfully,” Larkin said during an exclusive interview with website rg.org. “He’s a pretty private guy, and I believe most of the stuff we talk about should stay private.

“But he’s been a great role model for me.”

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Larkin believes that Yzerman is pleased with the progress that the Red Wings are showing this season. However, even in that assessment, he’s not 100% certain.

“I think he’s happy with how we’ve played,” Larkin said. “We feel good about it in the room, and we’re focused on the next game.

Larkin was outspoken in his disappointment that management didn’t do more to help the team’s playoff bid at last year’s NHL trade deadline. As the March 6 deadline day approaches, he believes that this time around, Yzerman will do what is needed to push the team over the top and into the postseason.

“We really trust that he’ll handle the rest,” Larkin said.

Larkin Excited By Red Wings Playoff Prospects

The Red Wings haven’t played in the playoffs since 2016. Detroit’s last playoff series win was in 2013. Currently sitting third in the Atlantic Division, the Wings are poised to end that nearly decade-long postseason drought.

Larkin is the sole remaining member from the club’s last playoff appearance, and he’s hungry for more.

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“I’ve grown up in Michigan and grew up a Red Wings fan,” Larkin said. “I was on the team the last time we were in the playoffs.

“It would be unbelievable to play a playoff game – the first playoff game at Little Caesars Arena in hockey history. It would mean a lot to our fans and mean a lot to me . . . being here through some tough days and getting into the playoffs.”

Larkin also makes it abundantly clear that it isn’t just about making the playoffs. He thinks this team could go on a roll and make a run if they got into the NHL postseason.

“You get in and get a good, favorable matchup – there are no easy nights in the NHL – but you get a good matchup, start to build confidence, and get on a roll,” Larkin said. “If we get a couple of wins early in the playoffs, if we get there, I think we could do some damage.”