Breaking: Red Wings Captain Larkin Helped Off Ice After Taking Punch To Head

Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin had to helped to the locker room after being punched in the back of the head by the gloved hand of Ottawa Senators forward Mathieu Joseph.

The incident occurred at 13:50 of the first period during Saturday’s game between the two teams at Little Caesars Arena. Larkin lay face-down on the ice while play continued around his prone body. After play was stopped, Detroit medical staff rushed to the ice and a stretcher was brought out.

Replay of the punch from Joseph on Larkin that knocked him out.

Relieved that Larkin was able to get up and be helped down the tunnel – hoping he's okay. #LGRW pic.twitter.com/UX0w6Z3fPy

— Winged Wheel Podcast (@WingedWheelPod) December 10, 2023

However, a groggy-looking Larkin was to get to his feet and leave the ice surface with the assistance of teammates.

Joseph was assessed a two-minute minor for roughing. However, Detroit forward David Perron received a match penalty for attempting to injure Ottawa defenseman Artem Zub during the ensuing melee.

Joseph, Larkin Have History

The play happened in front of the Ottawa net during a Red Wings power play. Joseph drove his right gloved hand into the back of Larkin’s head just below the helmet line, causing the Detroit captain to fall into Senators forward Parker Kelly before crumpling to the ice.

It’s not the first time that Larkin and Joseph have come together on the ice. During Detroit’s season opener against the Tampa Bay Lightning to launch the 2021-22 NHL season, Joseph, then with the Lightning, drove Larkin head first into the boards with a check from behind.

Larkin, just back in action following a season-ending neck injury from the 2020-21 campaign, rose to his feet and punched Joseph in the face, earning a match penalty. He was assessed a one-game suspension by NHL supplementary discipline.