Dylan Larkin scored two goals and the surging Detroit Red Wings beat the Florida Panthers 5-2 on Thursday night. Larkin, Jonatan Berggren and Patrick Kane had power-play goals for Detroit, which also got a goal from Marco Kasper.

This team is having fun again and suddenly has a new outlook on a season that was spiraling downward two weeks ago. Their 3-2 victory over the Ottawa Senators on Kane’s overtime goal was their fifth in a row under new coach Todd McLellan. The Red Wings (18-18-4) are just two points out of the final wild card playoff spot.

Back in September, former Philadelphia Flyers forward James van Riemsdyk signed a one-year, $900,000 contract with the Columbus Blue Jackets. This was after he had 11 goals, 38 points, and a plus ...