Red Wings Linemates About To Become First-Time Foes

Or the game could wind up being virtually meaningless.

The 2-0 Americans are locked into Thursday’s final of this NHL best-on-best tournament. Canada, Sweden and Finland are all deadlocked with two points. Each has a chance to be the other finalist.

However, if either Canada or Finland win their 1 p.m. game in regulation time, then that country will earn the other spot in the final. Sweden would be eliminated.

The Swedes need the Canada-Finland game to go to overtime. Then if they beat the USA in regulation, it would be a Sweden vs USA final.

Both players are enjoying strong tournaments. Larkin netted the game winner and drew an assist on the insurance goal as the USA beat Canada 3-1. Raymond has dished out three assists over two games.

Red Wings Larkin Expecting To Have Fun

No matter what ends up being on the line, Larkin is getting a lot of enjoyment out of the thought of lining up against his Detroit linemate.

“It’ll be fun,” Larkin said. “Obviously he’s having a heck of a year. He means so much to our team.”

That thought will actually be in the back of Larkin’s mind as he’s opposing Raymond.

“Proceed with caution with him,” Larkin said. “We want to win and you want to play well, but he’s my buddy and you look out for him and smile.”

Raymond admitted he’s pondered the notion of what might be if he and Larkin end up in a board battle for the puck.

“I don’t know what I’ll do if I see him in the corner next to me,” Raymond said. “But it’ll be a good time.”