The Detroit Red Wings started strong, skated well, registered a season-high 45 shots, never trailed and were perfect on their troublesome penalty kill. They ended a three-game skid (0-2-1) and picked up two huge points against one of several teams they’re chasing in the wild card race.

Larkin recorded a key goal and assist in his 700th NHL game, leading the Red Wings to a 4-2 win over the Canadiens.

Dylan Larkin had a power-play goal and an assist in his 700th career NHL game and the Detroit Red Wings snapped a three-game losing streak with a 4-2 victory over the Montreal Canadiens

Dylan Larkin had a goal and an assist in his 700th career game to lead the Detroit Red Wings past the Montreal Canadiens, 4-2, ending a losing streak.

Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin discussed the team's improvement under new coach Todd McLellan, who was announced as head coach on December 26.

Dylan Larkin tallied a goal and an assist in his 700th game and the Red Wings defeated the Montreal Canadiens 4-2 at Little Caesars Arena. The Red Wings (22-21-5, 49 points) stopped a three-game slide (0-2-1) during which they scored just one goal each game.

Talbot kept the Red Wings’ two-goal lead intact at 5:05 of the third period by shutting down Cole Caufield’s breakaway attempt. Detroit’s penalty kill also answered the call after the club unsuccessfully challenged for no goaltender interference just past the halfway mark of the frame.

Dylan Larkin had a power-play goal and an assist in his 700th career NHL game and the Detroit Red Wings snapped a three-game losing streak with a 4-2 victory over the Montreal Canadiens.

(AP Photo/Lynne Sladky) Detroit Red Wings center Andrew Copp (18) skates with the puck as Florida Panthers defenseman Dmitry Kulikov (7) pursues during the first period of an NHL hockey game, Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025, in Sunrise, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky ...

Playing in his 700th NHL game, captain Dylan Larkin had a goal and assist, Moritz Seider had two assists, and goaltender Cam Talbot stopped 28 shots as the Wings (22-21-5) ended a three-game winless streak. Talbot made a key save on Cole Caufield driving alone to the net midway in the third period, maintaining a two-goal lead for the Wings.

Playing in his 700th NHL game, captain Dylan Larkin had a goal ... Wings a 2-0 lead after one period, then Andrew Copp (ninth goal, shorthanded) and Larkin (21st goal, power play) with second ...

In 16 games since McLellan took over, the Red Wings are 11-4-1, riding a three-game win streak as they prepare to head to western Canada on Wednesday. It’s not unusual to see a midseason coaching bring better results in the NHL, but now more than 30 days in, the Red Wings’ surge has lasted longer than a simple adrenaline rush.