Dylan Larkin and the Red Wings paid tribute to Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau before Detroit took on the Blue Jackets Saturday night at Ohio Stadium, and Larkin expressed his love for the late brothers and their family after the Wings' 5-3 loss to Johnny's former team.
The Gaudreau brothers were struck and killed by a drunk driver last summer while riding bicycles the night before their sister was scheduled to get married.
The Red Wings arrived at the Horseshoe on Saturday night wearing different jerseys from Johnny's and Matthew's college, professional and international careers. Larkin and Johnny played together three times for Team USA at the World Championships, as well as for Team North America at the 2016 World Cup of Hockey.
Larkin said afterward that "he thought about it in the summer and just felt like it was right, John and Matty, both of their jerseys, a game like this, those guys should be celebrated. I asked the family and (Johnny's wife) Meredith was all on board with it, so I appreciate them."
Saturday night's result was obviously disappointing for the Red Wings, who are battling the Blue Jackets for a playoff spot. Columbus leapfrogged Detroit with back to back wins over the Wings last week, but both teams currently occupy the wild card spots in the East.
"I would like to say -- we just lost to those guys twice, but what those guys have been through, knowing Zach (Werenski) personally -- they’ve been through the ringer," Larkin said, via the Free Press. "This city, this night, was special and I hope Mr. and Mrs. Gaudreau had something to smile about tonight."
Larkin went on to say that "I want both of our teams in the playoffs." It would mark the first time in five years for Columbus, the first time in nine years for Detroit.
"I think those guys have quite the story going right now. Sometimes it’s bigger than the game and those guys are doing something that I tip my cap to and can appreciate," Larkin said.
Meredith Gaudreau thanked Larkin for the pregame gesture with a post on Instagram, calling Larkin "John's guy" and saying that the jerseys "blew us away."
She also thanked the Red Wings and Blue Jackets in an open letter "for honoring John in so many ways during the Stadium Series this weekend. The management, players, wives and fans from both organizations made my family feel so loved and supported."