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Detroit Red Wings on fun, energy of new coach Todd McLellan
Detroit Red Wings Patrick Kane, Moritz Seider and Todd McLellan, Jan. 1, 2025 in Detroit.
The Detroit Red Wings concluded their final practice before their inaugural road game under their new coach with an engaging and lively drill confined to the center circle of the rink.
Two athletes were matched against each other, contending for position within a restricted area in a bid to score into one of the nets that had been moved to the circle. It appeared to be exciting and demanding – and, naturally, intentional.
“It incorporates a playful aspect, yet the struggle in the center for physical positioning, the swift hands and rapid perception that come into play – that’s emblematic of what occurs in and around the blue paint,” coach Todd McLellan expressed on Wednesday. “And if we aspire to score goals, we must venture there and execute those kinds of plays. It also challenges the goaltenders to react swiftly.”
“Thus, as much as they’re enjoying themselves, we’re somewhat tricking them into performing skill and combat tasks that are vital for game play.”
The Wings (15-18-4) venture on the road to compete against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Thursday and the Winnipeg Jets on Saturday, marking their initial trip since McLellan was appointed coach on Dec. 26. The Blue Jackets are 12-4-3 at home, and the Jets currently lead the NHL standings, presenting a solid examination for a squad showing signs of rejuvenation.
“I simply feel the overall energy – he emits a lot of energy himself, and just like achieving the best from the team, especially at the onset of games and being prepared for the start of periods,” Patrick Kane noted. “It’s an ongoing process each day and he’s only been here for a few days, but I believe the energy overall – even in practices, while we may not be going for an extended time, the tempo is remarkably high.
“It aids in getting you prepared for the game, enhances your conditioning, and ensures you maintain a certain level so you’re ready to operate at that pace when the game starts.”
Kane referred to it as “cool to engage in those small games” as a conclusion to practice. Moritz Seider shared his enthusiasm as well.
“It simply invigorates everyone,” Seider remarked. “A bit of fun is always beneficial, without a doubt.”
Certainly, what has been the most enjoyable aspect for the Wings is clinching two victories out of three matches since McLellan succeeded Derek Lalonde, who was dismissed over the Christmas period.
“I just believe we play at a much faster pace if given the opportunity,” Seider stated. “Of course, we won’t achieve perfection, but I think we’re displaying more intensity and our starts have been exceptionally beneficial for us. We modified the PK slightly, and it seems to be working out rather well. We’re still in the learning phase, but this is the start we were aiming for.”
McLellan articulated on his inaugural day the importance of prioritizing team defense, and the Wings have restricted their last two adversaries to two goals each. Moreover, the Wings have netted four goals in each of the two triumphs.
“Some of the areas we’ve identified, we’ve targeted quite rigorously,” McLellan noted. “They haven’t been numerous, but what we have identified, we’ve put considerable effort into during practice and we’re observing some of it in the matches.
“The players are quite receptive. The intensity we’re seeing in practice is acute. They’re arriving at the rink with the objective of improving, not merely to practice, and thus far, it’s been positive. However, we are still in the honeymoon stage. We’ll see where it all ultimately leads.”
Contact Helene St. James at [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter @helenestjames.
Read more regarding the Detroit Red Wings and subscribe to our Red Wings newsletter. Her latest publication, “The Franchise: Detroit Red Wings, A Curated History of the Red Wings,” was launched in October 2024. Her earlier works, “On the Clock: Behind the Scenes with the Detroit Red Wings at the NHL Draft,” and “The Big 50: The Men and Moments that made the Detroit Red Wings,” are available from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Triumph Books. Personalized editions can be requested via her email.
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