“We had a good first ten minutes and then didn’t figure the rest out.”
That is how Dylan Larkin would summarize his team’s latest loss.
Dylan Larkin (Sam Navarro-Imagn Images)
The Detroit Red Wings came out with a good start against the Florida Panthers, but it wasn’t enough to seal the deal. They limp away into Friday night’s game having suffered a 4-1 loss to the Panthers.
“It’s a really hard building to play in,” Larkin revealed to the media present in the away team’s dressing room. “They’re a really good team at home.”
“Todd talks about making a good ten-minute game and then figuring the rest of the 50 out.”
The Red Wings opened the scoring in Thursday night’s contest. Alex DeBrincat continued his solid season by registering his 36th goal just 6:13 into the opening frame.
In talking about the loss Larkin called himself out, citing a lack of details as one of the major reasons for the disappointing loss.
“Lack of details on all of us,” Larkin stated. “Like myself, I lose my man and Marchand goes in and scores.”
“It’s just unacceptable at this time of year.”
His criticism didn’t end there. Larkin wasn’t happy with how the powerplay operated and took ownership over that.
“We had looks, we had chances, we created chances,” Larkin said, “the powerpkay didn’t show up again. And again, that’s on me.”
Larkin didn’t like the goals that his team gave up. However, in true captain fashion, he didn’t point the finger at any specific player – just himself.
“Our penalty kill has been good and we give up a penalty kill goal,” Larkin revealed. “At this time of year it’s hard to even stand in front of you guys and say that.”
Hearing Larkin say that, the emotion seeping out of them lets you know how invested in this team he is.
The Red Wings look for an answer Friday night against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Larkin offered some thoughts on what it’s going to take to win the game.
“We’re going to have to play with some emotion,” Larkin reasoned. “We’re going to have to win battles. When we do that, we’re a good team and we can play with anyone and that’s what it’s going to take the rest of the way."
