Red Wings and Blue Jackets Face Off with Playoff Stakes High

DETROIT, Mich. — After years of camaraderie, Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin and Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski are set to face off in two pivotal games this week as both teams compete for postseason berths.

The first matchup is scheduled for Thursday at Little Caesars Arena, followed by an outdoor NHL Stadium Series game at Ohio Stadium on Saturday. Both teams currently hold the Eastern Conference’s Wild Card spots, with the Red Wings occupying first place and the Blue Jackets just two points behind.

“It’s gonna be awesome,” Werenski said. “I think the best part too is where both teams are at right now. Those games mean something to both of us, and we play on Thursday in Detroit and Saturday in Columbus. Those are big games.”

The friendship between Larkin and Werenski runs deep; they grew up playing hockey together for Belle Tire, and their competitive spirits were evident even as kids. Joe Smaza, their youth coach, recalled a moment when the two were on the ice having fun, even throwing pretend punches. “You can’t take the competitive nature out of these guys,” Smaza said. “What are you guys doing?”

Fast forward to recent years, and the competitive fire is still burning. Larkin and Werenski have faced each other numerous times in the NHL, often bringing their childhood rivalry to the forefront of high-stakes games. They recently reminisced about their first official game against each other, which took place when Columbus defeated Detroit 4-1 on December 9, 2016.

“Well, I took a penalty, and he scored when I was in the box,” Werenski recalled, laughing. “That’s where it started. The first time playing against each other, and he did that. I was like, ‘All right.’” Larkin humorously added, “Yeah, and then a couple shifts later, he’s coming down the wing, and I was pissed at him. So, yeah, I hit him pretty hard.”

Despite their on-ice battles, the two remain supportive of each other’s journey in the NHL. Larkin commended Werenski for his skill and leadership. “It’s tough, being from Detroit, spending your whole career in Michigan, kind of being the guy at a young age when it wasn’t going well for them, and then just sticking with it and working hard,” Larkin said. “He’s done that, and now they’re starting to have some success, and he’s earned it.”

Both players have carved out their respective roles within their teams; Larkin signed an eight-year contract extension worth $69.9 million in March 2023 and is 12th in Red Wings’ scoring history. Werenski, who signed a six-year, $57.5 million deal in 2021, holds franchise records in points and assists for defensemen and leads the Blue Jackets in points this season.

Off the ice, their friendship has flourished. While attending the University of Michigan, the two shared a dorm room and created lasting memories despite their differing organizational habits. “I was the messy one,” Larkin said. “He’s very organized. We had the bunk beds set up for the first couple of days, and I was on the top. We quickly changed. I think it lasted just the weekend.”

With playoff stakes high, the upcoming matchups will have far-reaching implications for both teams. The Red Wings are looking to break an eight-season playoff drought, and their recent surge under new head coach Todd McLellan has injected fresh energy into their campaign. The Blue Jackets, on the other hand, are vying for their first playoff berth since the 2019-20 season.

As the rivalry continues to heat up, fans can expect thrilling performances from both Larkin and Werenski, who have always pushed each other to elevate their game. The intensity of the competition will resonate not just on the ice but also in the hearts of their old friends turned fierce competitors.