Detroit improved to 8-2-0 in its past 10 contests, outscoring opponents 33-23 in that stretch, following a 4-3 overtime victory against the Dallas Stars at Little Caesars Arena on Wednesday. Captain Dylan Larkin scored twice, including the game-tying goal late in the third period and game-winner 34 seconds into the extra frame, to help the Red Wings capture their third win in a row.
“We have our identity as a team and we’re starting to figure that out game by game,” said Raymond, who matched an NHL career-high with three assists on Wednesday. “It’s becoming clearer, especially to us. When we stick to that, that’s something we can always fall back to. I think that’s been huge for us in our recent success. And just tying games together, putting together a full 60 minutes.”
The League’s annual holiday hiatus is only three days, but it’s a hiatus nonetheless. That’s why, McLellan explained, a game like Saturday tends to be unpredictable.
“You never really know what you’re going to get from your own team or from the opponent, but I’m sure both coaches will be [emphasizing simplicity], especially early,” McLellan said. “Playing direct — we don’t need to be cute. We’re going to need good management skills as far as shift length goes. But really, three days isn’t going to knock the crap out of us. There are teams that have three-day breaks all the time during the season, maybe practice once or twice and then get back at it.”