Since becoming Detroit’s head coach, McLellan has repeatedly emphasized the importance of game management, handling adversity and players building trust not only towards the coaching staff but also each other.
“The message always seems to line up with what we’re feeling and what’s going on in the game,” Ben Chiarot said. “He’s been around for a long time and has seen a lot of hockey. We have a lot of faith in what he’s preaching.”
Chiarot added that McLellan has a strong understanding of the group, which has helped foster a productive practice atmosphere.
“He knows what our weaknesses are and what we need to work on,” Chiarot said. “We harp on those every day, so I think that’s why you see some progression this season. He’s direct with the points he wants to make, what he sees and what he wants us to fix. I think that’s contributed to our success.”
Before going into the NHL’s three-day holiday break in the 2024-25 campaign, the Red Wings were 13-17-4 (30 points) and seventh in the Atlantic Division. This season, with Tuesday’s exciting 4-3 overtime victory over the the Dallas Stars at Little Caesars Arena, Detroit was first in the Atlantic at 22-13-3 (47 points).
“I think a combination of Todd coming in, his first practice yelling to play hockey and his intensity, his willingness to give guys opportunities and if you can play, you’re going to play,” captain Dylan Larkin said when discussing the Red Wings’ growth since December 2024. “And also, some of the additions we made with Gibby and shoring up some holes that we had. I think there’s a combination, but I would give Todd a lot of credit for a full year now, and I’m sure he’ll tell you it’s just a start.”