Said Lucas Raymond: “When you’re winning, it makes things a lot easier and makes you even more focused to keep it that way. You don’t want to let that go. I think it’s the way we’ve been playing, which is probably the nicest feeling. It hasn’t been a coincidence. We worked really hard for it and we continue to do so every day.”

Last season was a coming out party for Detroit Red Wings star forward Lucas Raymond. This season is about Raymond establishing his credentials among the elite performers in the NHL.

Sam Gagner has played 1,043 NHL games, including 129 with the Detroit Red Wings, and wants to play some more, even if it means working his way up through the minors. The 35-year-old forward signed a professional tryout contract the AHL Belleville Senators this week and registered an assist Friday in his debut.