“I’m sure they’re liking what they are seeing so far.”
The Detroit Red Wings have received the best Christmas gift they could ask for. And Steve Yzerman played the role of Santa Claus.
On Boxing Day, he relieved Derek Lalonde and Bob Boughner of their head coaching and assistant coaching duties. Todd McLellan and Trent Yawney replaced them.
The Red Wings are currently on a West Coast trip. They have their second and final meeting against the Seattle Kraken on Tuesday night. On this road trip, they have collected six out of six possible points, starting with a win over the Edmonton Oilers on Thursday night.
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins has been with the Oilers for a long time and has seen many coaches come and go, including McLellan. After Thursday’s game, he had nothing but praise for his former bench boss.
“Todd, he’s a great coach,” Nugent-Hopkins said. “We all liked him as a coach and as a guy.”
“He can get you motivated, and you’re seeing that right now from this team (Red Wings).”
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The proof is in the pudding, as they say, and this pudding is on top of the league. With a 14-4-1 record, the Red Wings are the best team in the league since the coaching swap.
“They’ve got a lot of young skill,” Nugent-Hopkins continued. “They play a fast game, and he encourages that a lot.”
“He doesn’t want anyone to feel like they’re not playing their game, their type of hockey. I’m sure they’re liking what they are seeing so far.”
Everyone in the NHL notices the Red Wings’ improved play with McLellan behind the bench. They are playing with pace and letting that drive their play.
This team is executing at a much higher level than the results that Lalonde was getting earlier this season.
It’s time for the fans to sit back and see how high these Red Wings can soar.
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