OTTAWA — Dylan Larkin is slowly regaining his voice after days of celebration following Team USA’s Olympic gold medal victory over Canada on Sunday. The 2-1 overtime win marked the biggest triumph of Larkin’s career and the Americans’ first gold in men’s hockey since the 1980 “Miracle on Ice.” Larkin was on the ice when Jack Hughes scored the winning goal and reflected on the experience Thursday morning.
“Just to keep thinking back that we did it,” Larkin said. “And that feeling of when Jack scored, throwing our gloves in the air, not knowing what to do, just screaming, yelling for 20 minutes on the ice, celebrating with guys — it was memories I’ll remember forever.”
Larkin described the gold medal game as “how just crazy, stressful and intense” it was, praising U.S. Goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, who he said “stole the game” for the U.S. He also highlighted Charlie McAvoy’s defensive play in the crease and “how much fun we had after.”
“It was similar to the 4 Nations final, where it’s just the skill and the speed and the whirlwind of everything going on,” Larkin said. “And I suppose even moreso in an Olympic final.”
Throughout the Olympic tournament, Larkin was a key player for Team USA, centering the third line, killing penalties, and scoring the opening goal in both the quarterfinal win over Sweden and the semifinal victory over Slovakia. This performance followed a breakout showing at last year’s 4 Nations tournament, where he garnered wider recognition as captain of the Red Wings.
The gold medal game was a rematch of the 4 Nations tournament final, and a continuation of a historical rivalry with Canada, who had previously defeated the U.S. In the 2010 and 2002 Olympic gold medal games. “I couldn’t sleep the night before the game,” Larkin admitted. “I was up thinking about, ‘if we win, if we win,’ you know, ‘I hope we win,’ and I think before I went to bed, I was finally (like) ‘let’s just win this.’ Similar to going out for the overtime, it was just like, ‘someone end this, come on.’ A 20-minute intermission before 3-on-3 overtime is like, probably the most stressed I’ve ever been in a locker room. … The Tkachuks are just talking us into winning it, you know? And keeping it light to be honest with you.”
Hughes’ goal secured the victory, leading to a celebration that included a party in Miami and a visit to the White House in Washington D.C., where Team USA stayed for the State of the Union address.
However, the celebratory atmosphere was followed by criticism after Team USA General Manager Bill Guerin invited FBI Director Kash Patel into the locker room. Videos circulated on social media showing Patel chugging beer, celebrating with the team, and speaking with President Donald Trump, joking about the potential need to include the women’s team to avoid impeachment.
Larkin addressed the controversy Thursday, expressing regret over the situation. “I think it’s a little bit unfortunate how it’s taken the shine away from, one, the greatness of the women’s team, and what we did — first (U.S. Men’s) team to win it in 46 years,” Larkin said. “I think all hockey fans, especially American hockey fans, know that the Canada (rivalry), those games that have not gone our way, and the fact that it went our way, in the locker room we were just, (it was) such a whirlwind, and we have a guy in there, and (he) said the president’s on the phone.”
He added, “There’s a little bit of regret, but obviously we were in a tough position, and I think the women’s team knows that we supported them and we were cheering passionately for them to get the job done, and they did it in exciting fashion as well.” Larkin specifically praised USA women’s goalie Aerin Frankel, calling her “dominant” after she finished the Olympics with a .980 save percentage, allowing only two goals in five games.
Now back with the Red Wings, Larkin said the reception from fans has been “great.” The Red Wings are hoping Larkin’s Olympic experience will translate to success as they attempt to end a nine-year playoff drought, dating back to his rookie season in 2015-16. They currently hold an Eastern Conference wild-card position, five points ahead of the Washington Capitals with two games in hand, and nine points ahead of the Ottawa Senators.
The Red Wings face the Senators Thursday night, with Brady Tkachuk, a Team USA teammate of Larkin’s, leading the Ottawa squad. “I had such a joy playing with him and his brother (Matthew), and all the guys, but these are two substantial points for both of our teams,” Larkin said. “And I think the way he plays, and the way he’s played against us, especially, we’ve got to be ready to move the puck around him and create him skate.”
