The Free Press’s Helene St. James posted an article this morning which discusses the Red Wings’ attempts to learn Todd McLellan’s systems of play while learning to enjoy playing the game again:
The Detroit Red Wings wrapped up their last practice before their first road game under their new coach with an intense, fun exercise contained to the center circle of the ice.
Two players were pitted against one another, fighting for positioning in a tight space in an effort to score into one of the nets that had been dragged to the circle. It looked fun and intense – and, of course, purposeful.
“It has a fun element to it, but the battle in the middle for body positioning, the quick hands and quick vision that comes into play – that’s all about what happens in and around the blue paint,” coach Todd McLellan said Wednesday. “And if we want to score goals, we have to go there and makes those types of plays. It also forces the goaltenders to really move quickly. So for as much as they’re having fun, we’re kind of tricking them into doing some skill work and battle work that’s necessary for game playing.”
The Wings (15-18-4) head on the road to play the Columbus Blue Jackets on Thursday and the Winnipeg Jets on Saturday, their first excursion since McLellan was named coach Dec. 26. The Blue Jackets are 12-4-3 at home, and the Jets are perched atop the NHL standings, so it presents a good test for a team that shows signs of revitalization.
“I just think the energy in general – he has a lot of energy himself, but just like getting the best out of the team, especially to start games and be ready for the start of periods,” Patrick Kane said. “It’s a work in progress every day and he’s only been here a few days, but I think the energy in general – even in practices, maybe we’re not going as long, but the pace is really high. It helps you get ready for the game, helps you get in better shape, helps conditioning wise, helps you stay at a certain level so you’re ready to play at that pace when the game begins.”
Continued (paywall)
