MLive’s Ansar Khan compares Red Wings coach Todd McLellan’s tenure to the first 20 games that other “new coaches” have coached for the team:
Todd McLellan (2024-25): 15-4-1, 31 points
He took over a team that was 13-17-4 and has since strung together two seven-game winning streaks and capped its first 4-0 road trip since 1996.
Derek Lalonde (2022-23): 11-5-4, 26 points
The team was tied for a playoff spot in late February before three consecutive losses, including a pair of decisive defeats in Ottawa, prompted general manager Steve Yzerman to sell at the trade deadline.
Jeff Blashill (2015-16): 10-8-2, 22 points
The Red Wings qualified for the playoffs on the final day of the season when Ottawa defeated Boston. They were eliminated by Tampa Bay in the first round and haven’t been back to the postseason since.
Mike Babcock (2005-06): 15-4-1, 31 points
A 12-1-0 start included a franchise record-tying nine-game winning streak for a team that won the Presidents’ Trophy with 124 points (58-16-8) only to lose to Edmonton in the first round of the playoffs.
