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.

The Blue Jackets jumped up by three goals, which was too much for the struggling Sharks. The Jackets would put away San Jose 4-1.

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 ...