The Detroit Red Wings are contending for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference this year. And on Monday night, they picked up a massive win over the Los Angeles Kings. Detroit coach Todd McLellan’s former team raced out to a 2-0 lead in the first period.

Raymond was doing fine before McLellan became Detroit Red Wings coach on Dec. 26. Since then, his game has reached another level. He has 23 points (seven goals, 16 assists) in 16 games under McLellan. He ranks second in the NHL in points during this time, one behind Boston’s David Pastrnak.

The Detroit Red Wings defeated the Los Angeles Kings 5-2 thanks to a sensational night from young star Lucas Raymond, after the game head coach Todd McLellan sent the 22-year-old a bold statement.

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 change 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.

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.