Team USA Praises Detroit Red Wings' Dylan Larkin's Tenacity at Winter Games

Larkin scores key goals to lead U.S. to gold medal game against Canada

Feb. 22, 2026 at 12:21am

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Detroit Red Wings center Dylan Larkin has represented the U.S. at eight international tournaments as an adult, and his tenacity and leadership have been crucial in helping Team USA reach the gold medal game at the 2026 Winter Olympics. Larkin scored the opening goal in the U.S.'s 6-2 victory over Slovakia, putting them into the final against Canada. Despite never winning a playoff series in his NHL career, the 29-year-old Michigan native has stepped up as a leader for Team USA, embracing his role as a depth, grinding player and penalty killer while also contributing offensively.

Why it matters

Larkin's performance at the Olympics is a testament to his dedication to USA Hockey and his ability to elevate his game on the international stage. A gold medal would be the biggest accomplishment of his career, and it would inspire the next generation of American hockey players.

The details

In addition to scoring a goal in each of the two knockout round games, Larkin also had an assist in round-robin play. Head coach Mike Sullivan praised Larkin's willingness to embrace any role asked of him, saying "He's capable in so many ways." Larkin's leadership was also on display, as he challenged NHL players like Tage Thompson and Clayton Keller to attend last year's 4 Nations Face-Off, which the U.S. won for the first time since 1933.

  • Larkin scored the opening goal in the U.S.'s 6-2 victory over Slovakia on February 22, 2026.
  • The U.S. will face Canada in the gold medal game on February 23, 2026.

The players

Dylan Larkin

A 29-year-old center for the Detroit Red Wings who is representing the U.S. at his eighth international tournament as an adult. He has yet to win any of the seven tournaments he has played in, and has never won a playoff series in his NHL career.

Mike Sullivan

The head coach of the U.S. men's hockey team at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Vincent Trocheck

A teammate of Larkin's on the U.S. men's hockey team.

Tage Thompson

An NHL player who attended the 4 Nations Face-Off last year after being challenged by Larkin.

Clayton Keller

An NHL player who attended the 4 Nations Face-Off last year after being challenged by Larkin.

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What they’re saying

“For all of us, it's two games for legacy.”

— Dylan Larkin (cbsnews.com)

“We root for all the guys, but Larks in particular, he's gone through the experience that he's gone through in Detroit. He's a great teammate. All he wants to do is win. He's willing to embrace anything we ask of him to do so, and he's capable in so many ways. Am I rooting for him? Absolutely.”

— Mike Sullivan, Head Coach, U.S. Men's Hockey Team (cbsnews.com)

“He's been great. He's played a lot of international hockey, and when we come to these tournaments — this year, last year — he steps up as a leader, as well.”

— Vincent Trocheck, Teammate, U.S. Men's Hockey Team (cbsnews.com)

What’s next

The U.S. will face Canada in the gold medal game on February 23, 2026, with Larkin and his teammates looking to capture the first Olympic gold medal for the U.S. men's hockey team since 1980.

The takeaway

Dylan Larkin's tenacity and leadership have been crucial in helping Team USA reach the gold medal game at the 2026 Winter Olympics. Despite never winning a playoff series in his NHL career with the Detroit Red Wings, Larkin has embraced his role and stepped up as a leader for the U.S. team, inspiring the next generation of American hockey players.