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.

Larkin picked up two assists in Monday's 5-2 win over the Kings.

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.

After a disappointing overtime loss against the Philadelphia Flyers, Detroit Red Wings head coach Todd McLellan sent a straightforward message to captain Dylan Larkin and the rest of the team.

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 captain Dylan Larkin takes center stage in his 700th career NHL game, powering his Red Wings to a badly needed victory over Montreal

Dylan Larkin notched a power-play goal and an assist in his 700th career game as the host Detroit Red Wings downed the Montreal Canadiens 4-2 on Thursday night.

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 on Thursday night.

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.

“Huge win for us and a memorable night for myself,” Larkin said after the game. “I think it’s going to be memorable the way we played and hopefully we can build off that.” The Red Wings ...

The Senators, Canadiens, Sabres, and Red Wings are all hoping to exit their rebuilds, but which team is in the best position to do so?