The Detroit Red Wings could not come away with a win on Friday night in their season opener. In fact, they were shutout by the New York Rangers on home ice. But a lot of attention was placed on the pregame boos for Dylan Larkin during player introductions.

Larkin, who is recovering from an injury, did not play on Friday. He was introduced with the scratched players before the game, receiving boos when his name was called. Head coach Todd McLellan said it was Larkin's idea to be present for the pregame ceremony.

“Dylan being part of the team, he wanted to be out there for the ceremony. Obviously he's got to live with the ramifications of asking for a trade. It's not comfortable for anybody, I feel bad for him. I do,” the veteran bench boss said of his former captain, via Helene St. James of The Detroit Free Press.

Article Continues Below

Larkin and McLellan watched as the Red Wings offense did little against the Rangers. Goalie Dylan Garand earned his first career shutout on Friday night at Little Caesars Arena. Detroit puckstopper John Gibson was strong in goal, but was unable to lead his team to a win.

Expectations are low for the Red Wings, all things considered. In addition to the Larkin fiasco, star defenseman Simon Edvinsson is back in his native Sweden. The young defenseman is an unsigned restricted free agent, meaning he is away from the team until his contract situation is resolved.

The Red Wings are working through quite the mess here. Detroit could have lessened some concerns with an opening-night win. They failed to do so, and will look to right the ship on Sunday afternoon against the Winnipeg Jets.