In a sense, the job site for the Detroit Red Wings isn’t all that different from your workplace.

Some people are showing up ready to go every day. They’re putting their noses to the grindstone. They are the ones who are doing the work.

Others sit at their desk, shuffle some papers around, and only look like they’re working.

They might know what they need to do, but they aren’t doing it.

That’s exactly the type of performance that Red Wings coach Todd McLellan was seeing from some of his players during Wednesday’s 4-1 home-ice loss to the Utah Mammoth.

“They were at work, they were on the job, they just didn’t get the job done,” McLellan said. “We can keep practicing, keep practicing, but eventually you got to get the work done.”

Body Language Was The Giveaway for Red Wings Miscues

You didn’t need a PhD in hockey IQ to figure out who the culprits were. Their body language gave it away.

Such as seeing defenseman Simon Edvinsson looking to the rafters in dismay after leaving his check Clayton Keller unguarded to open the scoring. It was a telling trend shared by several of his teammates.

That’s our Captain! 🔥

🚨1-0, Utah! pic.twitter.com/H7JvinB3UZ

— Utah Mammoth (@utahmammoth) December 18, 2025

“You can tell by a player’s reaction after a goal is scored,” McLellan said. “You know, they’re looking up to the heavens. They’ll tell you right there that they knew exactly what they were supposed to do. And Simon, Danny (Nate Danielson), and maybe even Benny (Chairot) around the net on the second one.”

In each case, they were in the right spot. They just didn’t execute.

“We’re in position to do the job,” McLellan said. “It’s like sitting at your desk at school. You’re sitting there, but big deal. Are you doing any work?

“We’re in position. Do the work. Do the job. Get it done.”

Familiar Foibles Surface Again

Looking for the leading culprits in the latest Red Wings setback? Well, look no further than a familiar cast of characters.

A slow start. No offensive production at five-on-five. Losing the net-front battles at both ends of the rink.

Team-leading 16th goal of the season for Gunner! pic.twitter.com/2gQMDTc1oe

— Utah Mammoth (@utahmammoth) December 18, 2025

“We just didn’t get it done offensively,” captain Dylan Larkin said. “And they won the net battle, the net-front battle on both ends.”