from Ted Kulfan of the Detroit News,

Maybe a week or two ago, the Red Wings’ season appeared bleak as could be.

The playoffs were a long shot, at best. The season couldn’t end quick enough.

But, suddenly, at least from the perspective of a wild-card spot, it doesn’t look as bleak.

Friday’s 4-1 victory over Carolina put the Red Wings within six points of tying Philadelphia for the second wild-card spot (56-50 points), seven from passing the Flyers....

Suddenly, if the Red Wings can continue this post-All-Star break surge, who knows?

“Obviously there’s still some work to do but six points, that can swing pretty quick in today’s game with the scheduling,” said Danny DeKeyser, who had one of the Red Wings’ goals. “You just have to keep grinding it out and get points. Just keep playing the way we are and hopefully it works out for us.

“We have to keep beating teams like we did tonight that are ahead of us in the standings. It helps.”

read on

from Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press,

More performances like this, and the Detroit Red Wings may make good on their talk of going on a run.

The Wings played to their assets Friday at PNC Arena, using their speed to secure a 4-1 final against the Carolina Hurricanes, one of the teams ahead of Detroit in the standings. For the second straight game the Wings played fast, and they shot the puck every chance possible. The result was two goals from defensemen and a breakaway goal from Darren Helm, enough to make one wonder if the stars are aligning.

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Below, watch extended game highlights and post-game interviews...