Larkin becomes first Red Wings player in 10 years to reach 30 goal mark

When he scored his second goal of the third period during the Detroit Red Wings’ 5-4 overtime win over the Buffalo Sabres on Thursday night, Dylan Larkin accomplished something that no other Red Wing had done for over a decade.

The goal was his 30th of the season, which made him the first player in the franchise to reach 30 goals in a single season since 2008/2009. Fun fact: They had three 30+ goal scorers (Henrik Zetterberg, Pavel Datsyuk, Johan Franzen) and one 40+ goal scorer (Marian Hossa) that season.

The 22-year old, who is in his fourth NHL season, has already exceeded his career high by seven goals with still five games remaining in their regular season schedule. He has also been one of the few bright spots for what has been a troubling season for the bottom dwelling Red Wings team that ranks 24th in goals scored.

His 66 points (30 goals, 36 assists) give him a comfortable 17 point cushion over the next best statiscal player on the team.

Larkin’s teammate Andreas Athanasiou needs just one more goal to join him in the 30-goal club.