Team USA’s Dylan Larkin Reflects on Historic Olympic Gold Medal Win

OTTAWA — Dylan Larkin is almost back to full voice after days of celebrating Team USA’s Olympic gold medal victory over Canada this past weekend.

A Defining Moment for Team USA

The United States’ 2-1 overtime thriller was the biggest victory of Larkin’s career, and the Americans’ first gold medal in men’s hockey since the 1980 “Miracle on Ice” team. Larkin was on the ice for the winning goal, scored by Jack Hughes, and the Red Wings’ captain reflected on his Olympic experience Thursday morning.

“Just to retain 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.”

The Thrill of Victory

Among those memories: How just crazy, stressful and intense the gold medal game was, the play of U.S. Goaltender Connor Hellebuyck — who Larkin said stole the game for the U.S. — Charlie McAvoy’s game-saving defensive play in the crease, and how much fun we had after.

Larkin described the game as similar to the 4 Nations final, but even more intense.

A Crucial Role in the Tournament

Larkin was a crucial piece of the Team USA lineup, centering the third line, killing penalties and scoring the opening goal in both the Americans’ quarterfinal win over Sweden and semifinal victory over Slovakia. This performance echoed his breakout showing at last year’s 4 Nations tournament.

Overcoming a Long-Standing Rivalry

The gold medal victory was particularly significant given the history between the United States and 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 said. “I was up thinking about, ‘if we win, if we win,’ you know, ‘I hope we win,’ and I experience 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, reach 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.”

Celebration and Controversy

Hughes’ goal delivered the victory, leading to a celebration that included a party in Miami and a visit to the White House — with much of Team USA staying for the State of the Union address.

However, the celebration was followed by criticism after Team USA GM Bill Guerin invited FBI director Kash Patel into the locker room for the celebration. Patel was seen on social media chugging beer and holding up a phone to allow President Donald Trump to congratulate the U.S. Men’s team.

Addressing the Criticism

Team USA players have faced criticism over their reaction to a joke made during the call, which was seen as diminishing the women’s team’s accomplishment, and Larkin expressed regret over that on Thursday.

“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.”

Larkin specifically praised USA women’s goalie Aerin Frankel, calling her dominant after she finished the Olympics with a .980 save percentage.

Looking Ahead with the Red Wings

Back with the Red Wings, Larkin said it has been a great experience coming home, and feeling the reception from fans. The team hopes Larkin’s Olympic experience will help them down the home stretch as they pursue a playoff berth.

The Red Wings currently hold a wild-card position in the Eastern Conference, five points ahead of the ninth-place Washington Capitals, with two games in hand, and nine points up on the Senators — who are led by Brady Tkachuk, one of Larkin’s Team USA teammates.

“I had such a joy playing with him and his brother (Matthew), and all the guys, but those two guys are just characters, and I’ll be smiling at him, but (these are) two huge 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 produce him skate.”