What a difference a couple of weeks and a major shakeup can make, eh?
Todd McLellan’s tenure as head coach is off to a red-hot start — let’s just call it what it is. Small sample, but the team is 4-1-0 since firing Derek Lalonde. McLellan has brought some much-needed structure to the team’s needs, which include fiery comments and a “back to basics” approach in practice. The question that some may be asking right now: Is this what this team really is now, or is it a classic case of “post-coaching-change momentum?”
Whatever it is or whatever you think of it, here are a couple of undeniable facts since Todd McLellan has taken over.
Getting the Best Out of His Best
Derek Lalonde struggled to get the most out of his top players. Just wasn’t something he’s good at. Perhaps it’s inexperience at the NHL level. Regardless, the numbers over the last five games speak for themselves.
The defense has taken a big step forward in terms of reliability. I think McLellan’s choice to split up his two best defensemen (Seider, Edvinsson) has made a big impact. That has helped elevate the team by taking pressure off of other players. I liken it to the idea of putting in a support beam to help keep something stable. That has allowed for these players to put up the following numbers since December 27:
- Moritz Seider: Six points (all assists)
- Lucas Raymond: Eight points (three goals, five assists)
- Dylan Larkin: Seven points (four goals, three assists)
- Patrick Kane: Seven points (three goals, four assists)
- Alex DeBrincat: Seven points (four goals, three assists)
I don’t need an advanced view of analytics to tell you that if all five of these players are performing at this level, the team is going to win. It’s obvious!
Tough Competition
The Red Wings have certainly been the beneficiary of much-needed “puck luck” since the big change, but it’s not like they’re playing bottom-feeders in the last five games. They started with Toronto and the Mitch Marner show — tough to compete with, but the team looked much better that night. Since then, their four-game win streak has consisted of the Washington Capitals (the best team in the East right now), Pittsburgh Penguins (better team than their record shows; Crosby, Malkin, etc), Columbus Blue Jackets (VERY difficult to beat in their own barn), and Winnipeg Jets (another one of the best teams in the NHL).
That’s a pretty tough bill of opponents, and they have handled it in a way that makes me feel warm & fuzzy on the inside.
Easing Up on the Goalies
The way the Wings have been playing, it’s pretty easy to see that it’s lifted a huge weight off of the goaltending position. To be fair, it hasn’t been sunshine and roses for Cam Talbot, who is playing at lower level than he was to start the season. Could be a simple case of regression. It’s almost like Talbot and Alex Lyon have swapped roles. Lyon has been excellent since Talbot got yanked against Toronto. Not perfect, but good enough. That’s all the team will need if they continue to play this way. It’s style and system that takes pressure off of your netminders and puts it on the other team.
Good Vibes
We’ve heard/read quotes from a few players now about what it’s been like since McLellan took over. Winning will improve the vibes for any team but it’s worth noting that these players have been vocal about the difference between McLellan and his predecessor. A few weeks ago, I honestly didn’t think this team liked playing hockey. Players were out there looking unengaged, lazy, and overall apathetic. Again, winning is a big factor, but do not discount the impact a coach can have. The work ethic is improving and players are, well, having fun again. They don’t need to be a contender in this moment, they just need to compete and be a pain in the ass to play against. I firmly believe that Todd McLellan is the culprit.
Detroit will play the Ottawa Senators at Little Caesars Arena on Tuesday. This is a pretty big game. Both teams are vying for wins to shoehorn themselves into a playoff position, and the two are becoming a rival of sorts. A month ago I would have chalked this up as an L, but now I’m feeling a lot better about their chances.
LGRW. Feels good.
