Detroit Red Wings Dylan Larkin is a member of the Next Generation of American players, a group that wants to establish equality with Canada at the Olympic level. That quest begins today when USA plays Latvia (3:10, NBC) in the opening game for both teams.

NHL players haven’t been at the Olympics since 2014 in Sochi, Russia.  NHL players have competed in five Olympics, and Canada has won three of those tournaments, including in 2014. The Americans have finished second to Canada in two (2002 and 2010) of those tournaments.

Larkin will play on USA’s third line, while Grand Rapids Griffins forward Eduards Tralmaks will play for Latvia.

The Red Wings center all-but-cemented his place on the U.S. roster by playing impressively well for the Americans  as a role player at 4 Nations Face-Off. He checked in with a goal, an assist and a plus-three plus-minus.

GM Steve Yzerman signed Tralmaks last summer after a terrific season (23 goals) in the Czechia top league. He has scored 18 goals this season.

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Detroit GM Steve Yzerman on list of Top 50 All-Time CHL Players.

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Former NHLer believe Eddie Genborg deserved a major and perhaps a suspension for his head hit against Anton Johansson

 

 

Red Wings Extra

DHN has been bullish on six-foot-4 defenseman Larry Keenan (117th, 2023) all season as he continues to make an impact in college hockey for UMass-Amherst. He is a dogged competitor with five goals and eight assists for 13 points. He’s plus-four for the season. This is what his coach Greg Carvel said about him recently:  “We’ll talk about (former UMass player) Cale Makar. I’ll always talk about Ryan Ufko and some other good defenseman we’ve had here, and Larry Keenan will be on that list. He’s a phenomenal player.”

Hockey Now Digest

Boston: Jack Studley explains what has gone well for the Bruins before the Olympic break. Boston Bruins. 

Colorado: Aarif Deen offers three reasons for the Avalanche be concerned heading into the stretch run. Colorado Avalanche. 

Pittsburgh: Dan Kingerski lists his five Penguins’ surprises before the break. Pittsburgh Penguins.