Detroit Red Wings fans have been showing their displeasure with how the team has been run, specifically when it comes to Dylan Larkin.
With the former captain making his season debut after having requested a trade over the summer — which obviously didn’t occur — supporters appeared to make a statement, arriving late for Tuesday night’s game against the Ottawa Senators and leading to some viral scenes.
Pictures from inside Little Caesars Arena at puck drop showed thousands of empty seats.
Several fans were seen wearing paper bags over their heads as well.
In an embarrassing sight during the pre-game festivities, a large flag was seen being passed around the lower bowl, but there wasn’t enough fans in the area to keep it moving, prompting the arena’s staff to help out and keep it on course.
While the arena was sparsely populated early on, the crowd eventually did show up for the game, which had an announced attendance of 17,583.
What’s going on with Dylan Larkin?
Larkin has been at the centre of controversy with the Wings since requesting a trade during the off-season, but then used his no-trade clause to limit his potential destinations reportedly to just three teams, including the Florida Panthers.
The Michigan native was then stripped of captaincy upon his arrival at training camp and then missed the team’s pre-season and first two games due to injury.
At the team’s home opener last week, Larkin’s name was heavily booed when he was announced among the scratches and then was seen hastily retreating to the dressing room.
He received the same treatment when he first touched the puck against the Senators on Tuesday, though the sentiments from the Motown faithful quickly changed.
Larkin, a two-time all-star, received cheers from the crowd after scoring his first goal of the season to give the Red Wings a 2-1 lead in the first period. He would later add an assist as Detroit won its first game of the season.
What did Larkin have to say?
After the game, Larkin — who was named the first star of the game — addressed the reactions that he received from the home fans.
“I’m trying to be a man and face it, and I understand why that’s happening,” Larkin told reporters. “But again, like I said to you guys at the start of the season, I was going to try to show up with my play, and it was nice to be out there with the guys and get a win.”
He added that he tried to keep his celebration muted, considering the currently turbulent relationship between himself, the team and fans.
“I don’t want to offend anyone with over-celebrating, with knowing the situation that’s going on,” Larkin said. “But again, with all that, scoring a goal in the NHL, scoring a goal for this team when we needed it, it felt pretty good.”