MLive’s Ansar Khan discusses the “nuts and bolts” behind the Red Wings‘ mid-season renaissance this morning:
The Detroit Red Wings’ power play has reached a higher level, and they’re no longer being outshot on a nightly basis.
Todd McLellan has tapped into the team’s offensive ability. That’s one reason the Red Wings are riding a season-long four-game winning streak and are 4-1-0 under their new coach.
“It’s not about me,” McLellan told FanDuel Sports Network following Saturday’s 4-2 win at league-leading Winnipeg. “We have jobs to do as a coaching staff and that’s to provide guidance and hold players accountable. And then we get out of the way. They play hockey. I tip my hat to the players for wanting to get better.”
The Red Wings are 8 for 16 on the power play in the past five games and suddenly rank third in the NHL (26.3 percent). They have not been outshot during that span, after being outshot in 24 of their first 34 games.
“We’re getting higher shot volume and just realizing what that creates,” Lucas Raymond told FanDuel. “Loose pucks off shots and getting the D and forwards to turn, I think that creates a lot. And to retrieve pucks and get it to the net.”
Said McLellan: “Obviously, you got to play percentages a little bit in the league and when you look at save percentage, one out of every 10 goes in, so when you’re giving up 40 (shots) a night you’re not giving yourselves a true opportunity to win.”
Continued (paywall)
