Helene St. James Detroit Free Press Published 12:18 AM EST Nov 10, 2018 As the Detroit Red Wings seek to regain competitiveness, two of their key building blocks are earning reputations as game-changers. Dylan Larkin and Andreas Athanasiou pack a unique skill set because of their speed. They are delivering big plays for the Wings on a regular basis this season, scoring clutch goals and leading the charge for the 25-and-under core. “Just by using their speed alone, it can create havoc for other teams and create opportunities for us,” Jimmy Howard said after Friday’s 3-2 overtime victory over the New York Rangers at Little Caesars Arena. The game saw the Wings trail 2-0 in the third period. Athanasiou scored the tying goal with 2:02 to play in regulation, and then fed Larkin for the winner. “Both of them want to be that difference-maker type player, and you have to make big plays at big moments,” coach Jeff Blashill said. “I’ve said it lots — every night it seems like it’s a one-goal game. Outside of the two blowouts in Boston and Montreal, take away the empty net goals, I think they’ve all been one-goal games basically. So it comes down to who makes a play at a big moment. “Both of them want those moments and they want to be on the ice and when they can do that, that’s a huge thing.” More: What’s behind dual success of the Detroit Red Wings’ special teams? Larkin, 22, also scored… [Read full story]
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