Light Role for Larkin in USA's 4 Nations' Opening Rout

As Team USA started its 4 Nations campaign in style, Detroit captain Dylan Larkin had but a small part to play

After conceding the game's opening goal, Team USA cruised to a 6–1 victory over Finland in its first game of the 4 Nations Face-Off.  For the Americans, the Tkachuk brothers took center stage, with Brady and Matthew each chipping in two goals en route to the victory.

For Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin, it was a quiet start to the tournament.  Larkin played just 11:14 (second least among American skaters, ahead only of Brock Nelson at 9:42).  A not insignificant explanation for that light early workload for Larkin is simply special teams.  Team USA has tapped Larkin for a penalty killing role but, at least to this point, hasn't asked him to play on the power play.  Against Finland, the Americans had four power plays but just two penalties to kill.  Larkin did finish third among USA forwards in short-handed ice time.

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All things considered, it would likely be foolhardy to draw major conclusions about the Americans' minute allocation under coach Mike Sullivan based on one game, particularly a lopsided one.  With that said, it was inevitable that Larkin wouldn't have as robust a role for Team USA as the one he enjoys for the Red Wings.

More broadly, the clear story of the night was the Tkachuk's dominance, further cementing the family's status as USA Hockey royalty.  The brothers spent a significant chunk of the night playing together on a line centered by Jack Eichel, playing with their signature blend of effectiveness and pugnacity.

Of course, Thursday's game (along with Wednesday's bout between Canada and Sweden) was really just an appetizer for Saturday's rivalry double-header: First a Sweden-Finland matinee, then a USA-Canada night cap.  After Thursday's win, Brady Tkachuk told reporters that he expects Saturday's tilt to be "the biggest game I've ever played in in my career."

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