Red Wings coach Todd McLellan points to major difference after full month has passed since his hiring
Photo credit: https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nhl/red-wings/2025/01/03/red-wings-todd-mclellan-risky-challenge-columbus-blue-jackets/77419520007/
Detroit Red Wings coach Todd McLellan has been on the job now for exactly a month, and he lists the biggest difference he's seen in his players since taking over.
One month ago, the Detroit Red Wings were tied for last place in the Eastern Conference, and things appeared bleak at best heading into the Christmas break.
But the day after Christmas, general manager Steve Yzerman decided to make a much-needed change behind the bench, dismissing Derek Lalonde and assistant Bob Boughner and hiring Todd McLellan and Trent Yawney in their place.
McLellan returned to the organization that he helped win the Stanley Cup in 2008 as an assistant coach, and brought a new aura of a seasoned head coach behind the bench.
Since that move was made, they've have gone 10-4-1 and have for the most part appeared completely rejuvenated.
The Red Wings beat the divisional foe Tampa Bay Lightning 2-0 last night at Little Caesars Arena, helping to gain valuable ground in the tightly-packed Atlantic Division and Eastern Conference postseason chase.
McLellan said that the biggest difference that he sees between now and a month ago when he took over is a growing sense of belief with his players.
The biggest thing is they have a sense of belief. How we got to believing where we can play with anybody, I'm not sure. We just started chipping away at different things and working at it and even tonight we were a little bit frustrated.
I could feel it on the bench after the first period. We had some chances and then it wouldn't go our way, and we had to come in and talk about it. It's okay. That's a pretty good period against a good team. Let's learn how to win. Let's relax and play.>
I could feel it on the bench after the first period. We had some chances and then it wouldn't go our way, and we had to come in and talk about it. It's okay. That's a pretty good period against a good team. Let's learn how to win. Let's relax and play.>
| POLL | ||
JANVIER 26 | 192 ANSWERS Red Wings coach Todd McLellan points to major difference after full month has passed since his hiring Has Todd McLellan met your expectations after a full month on the job as Red Wings coach? | ||
| Yes | 188 | 97.9 % |
| No | 4 | 2.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
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