Red Wings players voice true opinions of new coach Todd McLellan
The Detroit Red Wings made an in-season coaching change for the first time since 1985-86, and players are voicing their thoughts on their new coach.
Todd McLellan picked up his 1st win as coach of the Detroit Red Wings on Sunday, a 4-2 victory over the visiting Washington Capitals.
Tonight, the Red Wings hope to make it consecutive victories when they host the former rival Pittsburgh Penguins at Little Caesars Arena (8:00 PM, FanDuel Sports Detroit, 97.1 The Ticket).
So far, players have taken a liking to McLellan, including Joe Veleno and Andrew Copp, the latter of which raved about his experience.
A lot of experience there. Obviously, coached some really good teams and players. So there's that, but just how he's explaining things in video, drawing things up, stopping drills and all that, then kind of getting us to trust ourselves again a little bit instinctively, which is huge. It's been good so far.
It's been what, four days? We got a long way to go, but hopefully we can continue some of the momentum from last night into tomorrow.»
Veleno, who was promoted to Detroit's 1st line, explained that it's the first coaching move that he's experienced in his career.
This is the first time for me personally that [a head coaching change] has happened in season. I just really like our energy right now. Guys are feeling really confident here. Although we lost that Toronto game [last Friday], our energy was good and we weren't moping or getting frustrated on the bench.
There were some signs that are leading to some positive things, and I think we just got to keep building. Obviously, it's one game that we won, but we got to stay in it and be ready for tomorrow.
POLL |
DECEMBRE 31 | 187 ANSWERS Red Wings players voice true opinions of new coach Todd McLellan Was Todd McLellan the right choice to replace Derek Lalonde? |
Yes | 170 | 90.9 % |
No | 4 | 2.1 % |
Undecided | 13 | 7 % |
List of polls |
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