Red Wings’ practice experience looked drastically different this week. Detroits NHL franchise skating around a temporary rink in the middle of Ohio Stadium, the home of Ohio State Buckeyes’ football team.
Dylan Larkin, who rose to Hockey -Star Status with Michigan Wolverines, was critical of the aesthetic of the football stadium.
“It’s probably the ugliest stadium I’ve ever been to,” Larkin said.
The red wings were in Columbus, Ohio, Friday for practice ahead of Saturday’s stadium series game against Blue Jackets.
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Dylan Larkin from Detroit Red Wings during exercise before a 2025 NHL Stadium Series game against Columbus Blue Jackets at Ohio Stadium February 28, 2025, in Columbus, Ohio. (Brian Babineau/NHLI via Getty Images)
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“It’s cool to play hockey outside,” Larkin told journalists. “There’s a lot of excitement with the guys and (it’s) pretty cool to just do something else.”
The red wings and blue jackets come into Saturday’s play in a draw to one of the wild cards of the eastern conference.
Columbus Blue Jackets’ Cannon arrives at Ohio Stadium before an NHL Stadium Series game between Detroit Red Wings and Blue Jackets February 28, 2025, in Columbus, Ohio. (Ben Jackson/NHLI via Getty Images)
Forecasts require temperatures in the 20s when the puck falls. Wind throw could also create some problems for the players.
Detroits Patrick Kane, who has played in several outdoor hockey games, talked about the weather.
Ohio State Marching Band performs outside Ohio Stadium before an NHL Stadium Series game between Columbus Blue Jackets and Detroit Red Wings at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio, March 1, 2025. (Samantha Madar/USA Today Network via Imag images)
“I’m sure the ice will be a little better (tonight) and be colder,” Kane said. “Sometimes today I noticed it a little. You skate in the wind, and then, the other way, skate with the wind on your back. It may be something that comes into play where they may change the pages with 10 minutes left in (the third) period.”
The stage series 2025 gives Red Wings a chance of revenge for Thursday’s 5-2 losses to the blue jackets in Detroit.
