DETROIT -- When the Detroit Red Wings replaced coach Derek Lalonde with Todd McLellan on Dec. 26, they were eight points out of the second wild card into the Stanley Cup Playoffs from the Eastern Conference. They looked lifeless on the ice.

At one point, McLellan cut a drill short and demanded a restart, expressing displeasure at wayward passes. Later, he pointed out a lack of tipped and deflected goals, beseeching his forwards to change that. "Keep the gates closed!" he called during one live drill, frustrated at some cavalier changes from players in between reps.