NHL

Detroit Red Wings Coach Todd McLellan Lashes Out At Defender, Eyes Rebound As NHL Underdog Vs. Host Panthers

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NHL: San Jose Sharks at Detroit Red Wings

Just over halfway point of the NHL regular season, the Detroit Red Wings have been part disappointing and part invigorating. But are they true playoff contenders? 

New coach Todd McLellan, led the Original Six franchise on a seven-game winning streak after taking over from fired coach Derek Lalonde following an uninspiring 13-17-2 start, lowlighted by an offense that failed to score more than one goal in 11 outings. 

Tuesday’s 6-3 error-filled loss to the visiting San Jose Sharks came following a mistake-prone third period during Sunday’s 6-2 win over the Seattle Kraken. 

New Coach Todd McLellan Speaks Up, Looks For Spark 

Unacceptable, McLellan lamented. The Red Wings did not respond to the coaching. 

“So to me that tells me they weren’t sharp,” McLellan said, as reported by the Detroit Free Press. “They weren’t alert, they weren’t prepared to adjust.” 

One minute and one second after Lucas Raymond scored to cut the Sharks’ lead to 4-3, defenseman Justin Holl carelessly turned the puck over in front of goalie Ville Husso, allowing Tyler Toffoli to score easily. Holl was benched for much of the third period. 

“Sending (a) message?” he said. “He sent himself a message and I think that’s pretty obvious. You can march him in here. And I’m not going to sit up here and be asked when he had a terrible night. And that’s just the way it is.  

“So, whether he got on in the last five minutes or not, it really doesn’t matter. He knows he can play better. And, you know, I’m telling you before I’m going to tell him, but I am going to tell him that tomorrow, and that’s up to him to fix. I know he’s a better player than that.” 

How will Holl and the Red Wings respond to McLellan’s first public rant for accountability? 

Opening a four-game road trip at the Florida Panthers (26-16-3) on Thursday, FanDuel Sportsbook listed the Red Wings (20-19-4) as a 1.5-goal underdog. McLellan will soon discover if the Red Wings, who have not qualified for the playoffs since 2016, need additional hard coaching.