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As the NHL Stadium Series game between the Detroit Red Wings and the Columbus Blue Jackets approaches, the tension is already starting to build. The rivalry between the two teams has been well-documented over the years, with Detroit and Columbus facing off in both regular season games and high-stakes matchups. But this time, the stage is a little bit different. The game is set to take place outdoors at Ohio Stadium, the home of Ohio State football and a venue that’s known for its vast size and rich history.

However, ahead of the big game, Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin took a playful jab at the venue, calling it the “ugliest stadium” he’s ever seen. His comment has garnered quite a bit of attention, fueling the rivalry between the two teams and sparking debates among fans. Larkin’s remark, while lighthearted, has certainly added an interesting layer to what is sure to be an intense and highly-anticipated event.

### A Rivalry Renewed

Before diving into Larkin’s comment and the response from fans, it’s important to understand the backdrop of this game. Detroit and Columbus are two teams with a rich history in the NHL, and although their rivalry has never reached the same level of animosity as, say, the Red Wings and the Chicago Blackhawks, it has still been a competitive one. The teams are divisional rivals, which inherently adds a sense of urgency to every meeting.

For the Red Wings, the Stadium Series game is an opportunity to showcase their team on a grand stage. Playing in an outdoor game is always a special occasion for any player, but it’s especially meaningful for a storied franchise like Detroit. With the Red Wings’ fanbase spread out far and wide, outdoor games serve as an opportunity to connect with supporters who might not always be able to attend home games in person.

The Columbus Blue Jackets, on the other hand, are hoping to make the most of this opportunity. Ohio Stadium, also known as “The Horseshoe,” is one of the most iconic venues in college football, and hosting an NHL game there is a momentous occasion for the Blue Jackets. The event is not only a chance to showcase the team’s talents on the ice but also an opportunity to prove that Columbus can host major hockey events, despite not having the same level of legacy or prestige as some of the NHL’s original six franchises.

### Dylan Larkin’s Playful Dig

Dylan Larkin’s comments about Ohio Stadium came during a press conference in the lead-up to the Stadium Series game. As a native of Michigan and a product of the Detroit Red Wings’ system, Larkin has been a key player for the team since he was drafted in 2014. As captain, Larkin has earned the respect of his teammates and coaches, and his leadership on the ice is undeniable.

However, Larkin is also known for his sense of humor and his willingness to poke fun at his rivals. In a lighthearted exchange with the media, he called Ohio Stadium the “ugliest stadium” he had ever seen. His remark was met with laughter, and it’s clear that Larkin didn’t mean it in a malicious way. Instead, it was a bit of good-natured banter, especially considering the Red Wings’ long-standing rivalry with the Blue Jackets.

But as with many things in the world of sports, what starts as a small comment can quickly snowball into something bigger. Fans of both teams, particularly those from Columbus, took to social media to respond to Larkin’s jab. Some Blue Jackets fans rallied behind their team and defended the stadium, while others took the opportunity to have a little fun with the situation, mocking Larkin’s comment.

It’s not unusual for athletes to engage in a bit of friendly trash talk leading up to a big game. In fact, it often adds to the excitement and builds anticipation for the event. In this case, Larkin’s comment seems to have done just that. Fans are now even more eager to see how the Red Wings and Blue Jackets will fare in the outdoor setting, and Larkin’s playful dig at the stadium has only fueled that excitement.

### Ohio Stadium: A Sacred Ground for Football, But a New Experience for Hockey

While Larkin’s comment might have raised some eyebrows, it’s important to remember that Ohio Stadium holds a special place in the hearts of many college football fans. Home to the Ohio State Buckeyes, Ohio Stadium is one of the most iconic college football venues in the country. Known for its massive capacity (over 100,000 seats), the stadium is a true coliseum of American sports, and its significance to Ohio State fans cannot be overstated.

However, transforming such a football-centric venue into a place for hockey is a massive undertaking. The NHL’s outdoor games, including the Stadium Series, have been held at various football and baseball stadiums over the years, with mixed results. The outdoor setting provides a unique experience for players and fans alike, but it also presents challenges, especially when it comes to the ice conditions.

Larkin’s remark about the stadium’s aesthetics may stem from the fact that Ohio Stadium was not designed with hockey in mind. Unlike traditional hockey arenas, football stadiums often lack the natural intimacy and sightlines that make a hockey game truly spectacular. The grandeur of a football stadium can sometimes make the action on the ice feel distant, which is why the NHL goes to great lengths to ensure the best possible viewing experience for fans.

The NHL has long embraced the concept of outdoor games, seeing them as a way to bring the sport to new audiences and showcase the game in unique settings. For players, it’s an opportunity to play in front of large, enthusiastic crowds, with the added bonus of being part of a historic event. Whether the players like it or not, there’s a sense of excitement that comes with playing in a venue as large and storied as Ohio Stadium, and Larkin’s cheeky comment is just a small part of that excitement.

### The Impact of Larkin’s Comment on the Rivalry

While Larkin’s comments may have been tongue-in-cheek, they undoubtedly add a new layer to the Detroit-Columbus rivalry. Rivalries in sports are often built on a combination of competition, history, and passion, and this jab from Larkin has certainly contributed to the ongoing back-and-forth between the two teams. It’s clear that the Red Wings are looking to have a strong showing in the game, and Larkin’s confidence is a reflection of that.

For the Blue Jackets, Larkin’s comment may serve as extra motivation. Fans and players alike will be eager to prove that Ohio Stadium is not only a great football venue but a worthy location for hockey as well. The stakes are higher now, and both teams will be looking to not just win the game but also to defend their honor in front of an excited crowd.

### Conclusion

In the end, Dylan Larkin’s playful remark about Ohio Stadium serves as a reminder that sports are about more than just the game itself. They are about stories, personalities, and rivalries that capture the imagination of fans. The Stadium Series game between the Red Wings and Blue Jackets promises to be an exciting one, and Larkin’s cheeky jab at the stadium has only added to the drama. Whether or not Ohio Stadium is truly the “ugliest stadium” remains up for debate, but one thing is certain: this game is going to be one for the books.