NHL rookie Dylan Larkin sets skills competition record for fastest lap

Even though Larkin stumbled, he raced around the rink in just 13.172 seconds.

“I love the idea of the All-Stars and it’s good for the fans”, he said.

Larkin was among the favorites entering the event, which also included Nashville’s Roman Josi, Columbus’ Brandon Saad, Colorado’s Matt Duchesne, Edmonton’s Taylor Hall, Ottawa’s Erik Karlsson, Pittsburgh’s Kris Letang and Winnipeg’s Dustin Byfuglien. “I give the trainers credit”. “He’s had a great career and obviously he’s one of the best players of all time… this is probably as close as I’ll get to him”.

Montreal Canadiens defenseman P. K. Subban, left, wearing a wig and a Jaromir Jagr jersey, is congratulated by Florida Panthers forward Jaromir Jagr after Subban competed in the breakaway challenge at the NHL hockey All-Star game skills competition Saturday, Jan. 30, 2016, in Nashville, Tenn.

The Flyers’ Claude Giroux excelled in the accuracy-shooting contest (won by the Islanders’ John Tavares), the skills-challenge relay, and shootout competition.

The youngest all-star and the lone rookie, Larkin will play for the Atlantic Division in the all-star tournament Sunday. “It’s just really cool, special to me to be a part of this”.

By joining the All-Star celebration in Nashville, Larkin will become the first Red Wing skater to play in the All-Star game since Pavel Datsyuk in 2012 (Jimmy Howard was an All-Star in 2012 and 2015).

“It’s tough when you don’t know anyone and you have to meet new guys”, said Larkin, who is quiet and reserved by nature. It just wasn’t enough hair to top Subban’s final try.

A rookie in the Detroit Red Wings organization, Larkin is a probably Calder Trophy candidate.

“Was I born?” he said. He was asked about comparisons to Yzerman and Chicago Blackhawks star Jonathan Toews but quickly shot down any talk of that. “I am who I am, another player”.