Dylan Larkin's Olympic Gold Boosts Detroit Red Wings' Playoff Push

The Red Wings captain's high-pressure experience could be the key to ending the team's 10-year playoff drought.

Feb. 24, 2026 at 10:10am

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Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin recently won Olympic gold with the U.S. men's hockey team, and his coach believes that experience will be invaluable as the Red Wings fight for a playoff spot down the stretch. Larkin, the team's longest-tenured and most important player, has felt the intensity of high-stakes tournament hockey, something most of his Red Wings teammates have not. With 24 games left, the Red Wings are in a tight battle for a postseason berth, and Larkin's ability to draw on his Olympic triumph could be the difference-maker.

Why it matters

The Red Wings have missed the playoffs for 10 straight seasons, and Larkin's leadership will be crucial as the team tries to end that drought. His Olympic gold medal experience gives him a reference point that most of his teammates lack, which could help him guide the Red Wings through the pressure-packed final stretch of the regular season.

The details

Larkin, who was a third-line center and not even an alternate captain for the U.S. Olympic team, stepped up as a leader during the gold medal game, organizing the players for their entrance and being the first skater on the ice. He also scored key goals earlier in the tournament. Red Wings coach Todd McLellan believes Larkin's Olympic experience will help him understand 'the magnitude of every shift, every minute, every second' as the Red Wings fight for a playoff spot.

  • The Red Wings are currently third in the Atlantic Division with 24 games remaining, starting on Thursday, February 26 in Ottawa.
  • Larkin struggled with injuries and a slump after last year's 4 Nations Face-Off tournament, but McLellan believes he is healthier coming out of the Olympics.

The players

Dylan Larkin

The Detroit Red Wings' captain and most important player, who recently won Olympic gold with the U.S. men's hockey team.

Todd McLellan

The head coach of the Detroit Red Wings, who believes Larkin's Olympic experience will be invaluable for the team's playoff push.

Zach Werenski

A Red Wings teammate and fellow Michigander, who called Larkin 'the heartbeat' of the team.

Connor Hellebuyck

The goaltender for the U.S. Olympic hockey team that won the gold medal.

Patrick Kane

An iconic future Hall of Famer who plays for the Red Wings.

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What they’re saying

“He's the heartbeat.”

— Zach Werenski, Red Wings teammate (NHL.com)

“One man can't carry the kingdom.”

— Todd McLellan, Red Wings head coach (Detroit Free Press)

“I don't even know how to describe this, like when you're your senses can all take you back. You've lived that moment. That's experience. He's felt moments.”

— Todd McLellan, Red Wings head coach (Detroit Free Press)

What’s next

The Red Wings will face the Ottawa Senators on Thursday, February 26, as they continue their push for the playoffs.

The takeaway

Dylan Larkin's Olympic gold medal experience gives the Red Wings a crucial advantage as they fight to end their 10-year playoff drought. His ability to draw on the high-pressure moments he faced in Milan could be the difference-maker in Detroit's quest to return to the postseason.