Raymond had an assist, three shots on net and one block in Thursday's 4-2 win over Montreal.

From afar, before he took his current job, Detroit Red Wings coach Todd McLellan was certain about one thing when it came to Lucas Raymond. He knew that the kid was a real talent.

The Montreal Canadiens had a game against their direct competition the Detroit Red Wings on Thursday and there are a few important things to note from the tilt.

Lucas Raymond continues to stake his illustrious place in the nearly century long history of Detroit Red Wings hockey

BOTTOM LINE: The Detroit Red Wings head into a matchup with the Montreal Canadiens after losing three in a row. Detroit is 5-8-1 against the Atlantic Division and 21-21-5 overall. The Red Wings are 3-6-3 in games they serve more penalty minutes than their opponents.

With the three losses, the Wings are again beginning to drift further away from an Eastern Conference playoff spot, as they did just before the holiday break, which led to the head-coaching change. The inability to gain much positive traction much of the first half of the season put the Wings in a hole that won't be easy from which to dig out.

Talbot kept the Red Wings’ two-goal lead intact at 5:05 of the third period by shutting down Cole Caufield’s breakaway attempt. Detroit’s penalty kill also answered the call after the club unsuccessfully challenged for no goaltender interference just past the halfway mark of the frame.

Dylan Larkin had a goal and an assist in his 700th career game to lead the Detroit Red Wings past the Montreal Canadiens, 4-2, ending a losing streak.

Puck drop for the third battle of the season between Detroit (21-21-5; 47 points) and Montreal (24-19-4; 52 points) is set for 7 p.m., with broadcast coverage on FanDuel Sports Network Detroit and the Red Wings Radio Network (97.1 The Ticket in Detroit).

The Detroit Red Wings will be without Patrick Kane when they welcome the Montreal Canadiens to Little Caesars Arena on Thursday night.

Larkin recorded a key goal and assist in his 700th NHL game, leading the Red Wings to a 4-2 win over the Canadiens.