The Red Wings may find themselves in the Eastern Conference’s first Wild Card spot this morning, but Red Wings coach Todd McLellan isn’t satisfied with his team’s progress yet.
We all know it, and Detroit Hockey Now’s Kevin Allen took note of McLellan’s comments after last night’s 3-2 OT win over the Vancouver Canucks:
With all of the excitement surrounding the Detroit Red Wings’ improved performance level, it’s noteworthy to hear coach Todd McLellan, the new ringmaster, saying: “All we’ve done is get back to the start line.”
He not trying to douse enthusiasm with cold water, but wants to point out that the work is far from over. The truth: Being in a playoff spot this morning guarantees them nothing.
The Red Wings have 29 games remaining to prove they deserve the position they are in — the No. 1 wildcard position in the Eastern Conference. They are only one point out of third place in the Atlantic Division.
How hard will it be for the Red Wings to hold their postseason berth? Tankathon.com lists Detroit as having the hardest remaining schedule.
Bob Duff’s story details McLellan’s plan to continue to take one step every day in the name of changing this team’s culture to one with an emphasis on consistency of effort.
“I’m not changing how I approach it,” McLellan said. “A game at a time, a practice at a time. Find ways to get better.”
Continued; the Red Wings may not make the playoffs, and that would be okay. As far as I’m concerned, the fact that they’re playoff-relevant speaks to McLellan’s ability to salvage the team’s season and build a better organization.
I still think that there are some personnel changes necessary before the team becomes a regular playoff-making organization, whether we’re talking about promotions from Grand Rapids or free agency/trade additions, but with McLellan behind the bench, the Red Wings are on their way to becoming a great team.
