
Still riding high from being a key member of USA's gold medal-winning team at the Olympics, Detroit Red Wings center Dylan Larkin made more history in his first game back in the NHL.
While some Olympians have been taking an extra day or so off, Larkin got right back to work with the Red Wings on Thursday night as they hope to break the franchise's nine-year playoff drought.
And just like the American team wouldn't have won gold without Larkin, Detroit wouldn't have been able to secure a much-needed 2-1 victory over the Ottawa Senators.
Larkin scored both Detroit goals, highlighted by converting a breakaway for the game-winner in overtime.
THE RED WINGS WIN!
— NHL (@NHL) February 27, 2026
Dylan Larkin gets the @Energizer overtime winner! pic.twitter.com/xdHfWGEQgI
Larkin's overtime winner was his 13th of his career, the most in franchise history. He now has one more than Detroit icon Sergei Fedorov, who was honored by the organization earlier in this season.
After his latest big night, Larkin has 28 goals and 25 assists for 53 points through 59 games in the 2025-26 season.
Dylan Larkin now holds the most overtime goals in @DetroitRedWings franchise history! pic.twitter.com/Z86jEbKlsl
— NHL (@NHL) February 27, 2026
Larkin is only two goals away from matching his total achieved in 82 games last season, and he's just five goals from equaling his career-high of 33 set in 2023-24. His best point total came in 2022-23 when he registered 79 on 32 goals and 47 assists.
But for Larkin, especially now that he's tasted winning an Olympic championship, the one way to truly make this season his best yet is to get Detroit back in the postseason.
He also knows creating playoff moments is the only way he will ever truly be accepted as a Red Wings legend. Now in his 11th NHL season, the Waterford, Mich., native has only appeared in five postseason games from his rookie year in 2015-16.
And barring a drastic decline, all signs do point to Larkin playing more meaningful games this year and returning to the playoffs. With the win, the Red Wings are now 34-19-6 and sit third in the Eastern Conference.
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