Detroit Red Wings

Blashill feels Wings will benefit from world view
May 19, 2017, 9:00 PM ET [4 Comments]
Bob Duff
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The end result wasn’t what they sought but ultimately Detroit Red Wings coach Jeff Blashill felt that what the four members of their organization gained from their experiences at the world championship made it a worthwhile endeavor for all involved.

Blashill coached the American team, which lost 2-0 to Finland in the quarterfinals, while defenseman Danny DeKeyser, center Dylan Larkin and goaltender Jimmy Howard all suited up for Team USA.

“I thought our guys had an excellent tournament,” Blashill said. “Too bad for our players we weren’t able to play as well as we had in the one game that was an elimination game. Finland played very well.

“The experience was awesome, the crowds were great. It was a chance to play meaningful hockey into mid-May.”

For players like Larkin and DeKeyser, who’ve never won a playoff series as Red Wings, this was much-needed experience. Blashill was especially pleased to see Larkin fill a leading role, knowing that he’ll need to count on the 20 year old to do likewise for the Wings next season and into future years.

“I thought Larkin had an excellent tournament,” Blashill said. “He was very good going up against other team’s best players. He checked well and created offense. He played the kind of hockey you need to win.”

Blashill felt that Larkin was very effective performing in the middle of the rink, where the Wings need to see him playing as a regular next season.

“I think his defensive instincts at center are really good,” Blashill said. “He anticipates where the puck is going in the defensive zone, and he’s able to come up with the puck. He’s got good defensive instincts at center, was good against other team’s best players.”

Larkin was also able to create offense without shirking his defensive responsibilities.

“I thought he produced at an efficient manner,” Blashill said. “He created chances without giving up much. That’s the challenge for a hockey player.”

DeKeyser, who, like Larkin, struggled mightily while being asked to take on more responsibility with the Wings this season, appeared to find his game and his footing late in the season and carried on along that path at the worlds.

“I thought DK played well, played to his strengths,” Blashill said. “He skated well, gapped up. He was strong on the penalty kill with (Arizona’s) Connor Murphy. He did a good job of doing what he does.

“Danny and Dylan played their best hockey late in the year and had a chance to build on it in this tournament.”

Howard picked up right where he left off this season when healthy, and was a rock between the pipes for the U.S.

“Jimmy had a great year but a year that was disrupted with injuries,” Blashill said. “This gave him a chance to build upon the season he had. He made big saves at big moments. He looked real solid doing it.

“It’s a great thing for us heading into next year.”

As for the coach himself, he also felt the opportunity was worthwhile.

“These types of experiences help you grow as a coach,” Blashill said. “You learn from other coaches, you learn from players you coach.

“I thought I could grow and eventually feel I did.”