Red Wings defenseman Erik Gustafsson further exposes major change since Derek Lalonde was let go

The Detroit Red Wings look like a completely different team under the leadership of new head coach Todd McLellan, who was brought in on December 26 along with assistant coach Trent Yawney.

Meanwhile, now-former head coach Derek Lalonde and assistant Bob Boughner were relieved of their duties after starting the year 13-17-4, including several frustrating losses to lottery-bound teams like the Anaheim Ducks and San Jose Sharks along with consecutive losses to the divisional foe Montreal Canadiens.

And in many of those games, the Red Wings were badly outplayed, outshot, out hustled and appeared completely lethargic.

But under McLellan, the exact opposite has held true. Not only have the Red Wings been playing a more intense brand of hockey, but they've also yet to be outshot in the 6-total games McLellan has coached.

According to defenseman Erik Gustafsson, who also recently tallied his 1st goal with the Red Wings, McLellan wants them to fire more pucks on net - a stark contrast from the coaching style of Lalonde.

The Red Wings host the former rival Chicago Blackhawks tonight at Little Caesars Arena (7:00 PM, FanDuel Sports Detroit, 97.1 The Ticket) and are aiming for their 6th-straight victory, which would match last year's highest total wins in a row under GM Steve Yzerman.