On a Saturday night game between the Detroit Red Wings and the Ottawa Senators, Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin found himself on the receiving end of a brutal cross-check to the back of his head and neck by Senators forward Mathieu Joseph. The impact was so severe that Larkin remained face down and motionless on the ice for about a minute. The sight was undeniably terrifying for everyone involved and left the arena in a state of shock.
Assistance Needed
While Larkin eventually managed to stand up, he remained hunched over as he was assisted off the ice and to the locker room. Concerned for his well-being, the Red Wings’ medical staff immediately began evaluating Larkin’s condition. Throughout the game, fans anxiously awaited updates on the captain’s condition, hoping for a positive outcome.
The incident occurred during a first-period power play when Larkin was stationed near the Ottawa goal. Joseph’s forceful cross-check sent Larkin crashing into Senators player Parker Kelly, who also delivered an additional hit as Larkin fell. The referees penalized Joseph and Kelly for roughing, acknowledging the severity of the play. Unfortunately, the situation escalated further when David Perron of the Red Wings was given a match penalty for his own cross-check on Ottawa defenseman Artem Zub, who was standing next to the helpless Larkin.
Larkin’s absence on the ice had a profound impact on the Red Wings. Coach Derek Lalonde described the transition from such a frightening incident to Larkin regaining consciousness and not needing to be stretchered off as a major relief for the team. Losing a key player like Larkin can significantly disrupt the team’s rhythm and morale, leaving them with the challenging task of regrouping.
This is not the first time Larkin and Joseph have been involved in an altercation. On October 14, 2021, when Joseph was playing for the Tampa Bay Lightning, he cross-checked Larkin, leading to a retaliatory punch from the Red Wings captain. As a result of that incident, Larkin was suspended for one game. Unfortunately for Larkin, this is also not his first experience with a serious neck injury. Last season, on April 20, 2021, he suffered a season-ending injury after being cross-checked from behind by Jamie Benn of the Dallas Stars. Larkin’s road to recovery from that injury involved wearing a cervical hard collar for eight weeks.
The incident between Larkin and Joseph serves as a reminder of the physical toll that the game of hockey can exact on its players. While the sport is known for its intensity and physicality, it is crucial to ensure the safety and well-being of all participants. The NHL has made strides in recent years to address dangerous plays and head injuries, but incidents like these highlight the ongoing need for greater player protection and stricter penalties for such actions.
As fans and teammates await further updates on Larkin’s condition, the incident serves as a sobering reminder of the risks involved in playing professional hockey. It is crucial for the league, teams, and players to continue working towards creating a safer environment for everyone involved in this beloved sport. Only then can players like Dylan Larkin step onto the ice with the confidence that they are protected from unnecessary and dangerous acts.
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