The Free Press’s Helene St. James asked Red Wings coach Todd McLellan about his plain-spoken, blunt and honest approach in coaching his players–and the media, as evidenced by his criticism of Justin Holl’s play on Tuesday-and here’s what McLellan had to say:
“As a young coach, you might not be as aggressive, but I just believe in being honest,” McLellan said. “(The media) asked me a question [about Justin Holl], I have to answer it. I sat with Justin the next day and told him the exact same thing. In fact, he told me basically what I was going to tell him prior to even meeting with him. I think that’s how relationships are created.”
The key is focusing on the positive, too — Holl didn’t play after turning the puck over on the fifth goal the San Jose Sharks scored Tuesday, but his name was right there on the roster sheet drawn up for Thursday’s game against the Florida Panthers.
“He’s a veteran player,” McLellan said. “He holds himself accountable. I know we’re singling out one individual, but there were many others that didn’t play very well. Everyone had some sort of conversation, whether it was just a casual skate-by or whether it was a sit-down.
“Relationships aren’t only when it’s all grand and everything is good — you’re on a family vacation. Sometimes the best relationships are at home when things aren’t going real well — kids are acting up and you and your wife have to discipline or provide some guidance for them. It’s no different than being around a team.”
Continued; here’s a video of McLellan speaking with St. James:
