The Daily: Red Wings Feel Positive Vibes; Devils ‘Disgraceful’

Jonatan Berggren is playing three more minutes than he was before the coaching change. Joe Veleno has moved to the top line. He has two points in two games.  Simon Edvinsson and Moritz Seider are split up to balance defensive pairings.

After giving up four or more goals in seven of their previous eight games, the Red Wings have yielded only two goals in back-to-back wins.

In the short term, new coach Todd McLellan has had an impact. But it remains to be seen, whether the Red Wings will be able to sustain this energy and spirit.

“I think Bergey’s played pretty well in the three games since I’ve been here,” McLellan said. “But there has to be a reward for all the work you put in at some point.”

GAME. WINNER. 👏

J.T. Compher taps one in to give us the lead in our @xfinity game-changing moment! pic.twitter.com/DRCtzV1d07

— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) January 1, 2025

You can tell from Bob Duff’s story that everyone is feeling more confident, more positive, about the team’s outlook. But also everyone understands a turnaround to make the playoffs will probably require good fortune to go with hard work.  There are five teams between the Red Wings and the Ottawa Senators, who currently sitting in the final wildcard spot.

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

Former Red Wings goalie Michael Hutchinson credits another former Detroit goalie for helping him revive his career in Finland

Defenseman Moritz Seider looked like a goalie on one shot block in the 4-2 win against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Detroit prospect  defenseman Axel Sandin Pellikka has admitted he idolizes fellow Swede and Pittsburgh defenseman Erik Karlsson.

Red Wings Extra

Coach Todd McLellan’s squad is on the road Thursday in Columbus for a 7 p.m. game (FanDuel Sports Network) against the improved Blue Jackets. The Columbus squad, with Don Waddell as GM, is 12-4-3 at home. The Blue Jackets (16-16-6) are only two points out of a playoff spot.

Hockey Now Network

Colorado: Casey Mittelstadt, busted down to fourth line-center, stepped up to fuel an Avalanche win against the Winnipeg Jets.  Colorado Avalanche. 

New Jersey: Coach Sheldon Keefe said the Devils’ performance against the Anaheim Ducks was “disgraceful.” New Jersey Devils 

Pittsburgh: Dan Kingerski gave the Penguins’ defense a C+ for its effort in a 4-2 loss to the Red Wings. Pittsburgh Penguins.

San Jose: Sheng Peng writes that despite eight consecutive losses, the Sharks are in a good place. Really. San Jose Sharks.