As the Detroit Red Wings seek to stake a claim in the wild-card race, taking care of the teams directly in front of them is crucial. Patrick Kane scored on a power play in overtime to lift the Wings past the Ottawa Senators on Tuesday,

Connor Bedard extended his point streak to nine games, but the Chicago Blackhawks played one of their worst second periods of the season Friday in a 5-3 loss to the Detroit Red Wings.

As the Red Wings reach the midway point, let's assess each player based on performance and expectations heading into this season.

Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin (71) celebrates along with defenseman Moritz Seider (53) after right wing Patrick Kane (88) scores the game-winning goal to defeat the Ottawa Senators during overtime Tuesday. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson) AP

DETROIT -- Blending their rejuvenated confidence with another strong offensive performance, the Detroit Red Wings pushed their season-high winning streak to six straight games with a 5-3 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks at Little Caesars Arena on Friday night.

Observations on the Red Wings' emerging depth, fast and furious start, and blossoming confidence as they win their seventh straight game, 6–2 over the visiting Kraken

The difference now is everyone else can see what he meant.

Albert Johansson nabs his first NHL goal, the Detroit power play stays scorching hot, Marco Kasper finds a top line home, and other notes from the Red Wings 5–3 win over the Blackhawks

At Pistons’ basketball games, even over the television, you can clearly hear the chant of “Jar-ed GOFF!” At Red Wings’ hockey games in the same Little Caesars Arena, the fans repeat the name of the Lions’ quarterback: “Jar-ed GOFF!! Jar-ed GOFF!!”