One word that Todd McLellan has returned to more than a few times in his now month-long tenure Detroit is "directness," expressing a desire for his Red Wings to play a "direct" game. On the surface it sounds simple, but I caught up with Christian Fischer about how that directness actually shows up and why it's been so beneficial.

The Kings take a two-goal lead in the first period before losing, 5-2, against their former head coach and dropping to 2-5-1 over their last eight games.

McLellan has put his stamp on the Red Wings a month into his tenure. They’re playing faster. They’re scoring more. They’re outshooting opponents most nights because of better puck possession and a newfound shot mentality.

The Detroit Red Wings have been one of hockey’s hottest teams since firing Derek Lalonde and naming Todd McLellan his replacement behind the bench. In the nine games since Dec.

Detroit — Sunday marked the one-month anniversary of Todd McLellan taking over as head coach of the Red Wings. McLellan replaced Derek Lalonde on Dec. 26, with the Wings in seventh place in the Atlantic Division and eight points out of an Eastern Conference playoff spot.

McLellan and his right-hand man, former Kings and Ducks assistant Trent Yawney, have put their imprint on the winged wheel in short order. “Our structure in all three zones (has improved), I feel like we’re just supporting the puck better,” Talbot told The Detroit News.