DETROIT – It was just a couple seasons ago when Jack Eichel and Dylan Larkin were teammates playing for the U.S. National Development team in Ann Arbor.
Now the 19-year-old NHL rookies will faceoff against each other Tuesday night when Eichel's Buffalo Sabres visit Larkin's Detroit Red Wings.
In 2013-14, the youngsters were leading their junior team in goals -- Eichel had 20 goals in 24 games while Larkin had 17 goals in 26 games. Fast-forward to this season and the teenagers are still leading the way for their teams. But this time they're doing it at a professional level.
Larkin has an impressive 10 goals and 8 assists in 24 games with Detroit. He leads the team. Eichel has 8 goals and 4 assists with the Sabres. He's not leading the team but he's tied with Ryan O'Reilly for the most goals on the Sabres. Some of those goals have been dandies, too.
Eichel and Larkin have excelled at every level -- juniors, college and internationally. It's no surprise to see them shining brightly in the NHL, but to see them doing it before the age of 20 is something to marvel at. The American prodigies are worth the ticket every night.
Game preview:
Despite Larkin's best efforts, the Red Wings (12-8-4) as a whole are struggling to score. Detroit's 56 goals in 24 games this season puts them at 22nd overall. Meanwhile, they've only given up 60 goals to the opposition. And, of course, that's been the difference.
The Wings dropped another game by 1 goal on Sunday, 2-1 in overtime to the Florida Panthers. Goalie Petr Mrazek was stellar again for Detroit, stopping 30 of 32 shots. But a lack of offense from his teammates ultimately cost them a point against a division rival. They went 0/4 on the power play and were outshot once again (29 shots on goal for Detroit).
Mrazek will get the start again Tuesday night.
As for the Sabres (10-12-2), their record so far is a vast improvement from last year. Eichel and offseason additions O'Reilly and Cody Franson have helped make Buffalo a real competitor again.
However, it's been a bit of a rollercoaster ride for the rebuilding organization. The team dropped six straight in November before winning the past two. They topped the Nashville Predators, 4-1, on Saturday.
Rookie goalie Linus Ullmark, 22, will get the start against the Red Wings. Ullmark is 4-5 this season with a .916 save percentage.
Look for Eichel on the second line. He'll likely be centering the line with veteran wingers Matt Moulson and Brian Gionta.
TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, TVA, MSG (Buffalo), FSN Detroit
Notes:
This will be the 4th game of a six-game homestand for the Red Wings. They host the Arizona Coyotes on Thursday and the Predators on Saturday.
The Red Wings are 11-0-1 in their last 12 meetings with Buffalo.