NHL.com’s Nicholas J. Cotsonika posted a lengthy column about the Red Wings’ performance under coach Todd McLellan:
“Obviously, I’m not sure any of us really thought we’d be in this position right now,” forward Patrick Kane said after a 5-4 shootout win at the Seattle Kraken on Sunday, “but what a spot we’re in.”
That sets up a huge game Saturday, Detroit’s last before the break for the 4 Nations Face-Off, a best-on-best tournament featuring Canada, Finland, Sweden and the United States in Montreal and Boston from Feb. 12-20. The Red Wings host the Lightning at Little Caesars Arena on national television (1 p.m. ET; ABC, ESPN+, SN).
“Ever since Todd came in, I think we’ve just proved that we’re a good hockey team,” defenseman Moritz Seider said Sunday. “I mean, we knew we had it in the locker room, and we just couldn’t find a spark, and obviously he brought that extra spark, brought us back to life.”
This is the simplest way to explain it: The Red Wings had been stuck in a downward spiral, playing on their heels, losing games, losing confidence. McLellan called them “mechanical.” That’s why he told them to just play [bleeping] hockey.
McLellan jump-started their energy and emphasized aggressiveness, playing to their strengths. Along the way, he made structural adjustments and gave young players more opportunities. Instead of a downward spiral, they’re in a virtuous cycle — on their toes, winning, gaining confidence.
McLellan said Thursday the Red Wings are “pretty close” to establishing an identity.
“I think we can skate,” he said. “I think we can play with pace. Combine that with checking for chances and taking pride in that, seems to be how we’re rolling out wins.”
