Lucas Raymond is a big reason the Detroit Red Wings are doing so well, and Patrick Kane may soon rejoin the lineup.

The Detroit Red Wings begin a four-game Western swing when they face the host Edmonton Oilers on Thursday night. The Red Wings and the Oilers, playing the penultimate game of a six-game homestand, have each won three consecutive games.

Hockeyreference.com gives the Detroit Red Wings a 17% probability of qualifying for the playoffs for the first time in nine seasons. Moneypuck.com pegs Detroit’s chances at 27.5%. Regardless of what anyone believes,

The Detroit Red Wings’ injury news was mostly positive as they left town Wednesday to start their four-game road trip Thursday in Edmonton. Patrick Kane skated.

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.”

After a trio of home wins, the Red Wings will get back on the road as January ends, hoping for better results than the last road trip.

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.

It is fascinating to look at the NHL over the same period of time. Kasper is right behind Martin Necas and Nathan MacKinnon in scoring (both have 12 points). Following behind him are Quinn Hughes (11), Mark Stone (11), and Connor McDavid (11).

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.

There’s no change in the Detroit Red Wings’ injury/illness situation and that opens the door for 31-year old rookie Domink Shine to travel to Edmonton Wednesday with the team.

Detroit — The feel-good story surrounding the Red Wings currently looks like it's going to stay around a bit longer. Dominik Shine, who made his NHL debut at age 31 in Monday's victory over Los Angeles, appears to be staying at least for the start of the Wings' upcoming four-game road trip Thursday in Edmonton.