Detroit Red Wings
Red Wings PK Could Decide Playoff Chances

Todd McLellan’s strategy as a Christmas replacement head coach of the Detroit Red Wings is to present his players with one change to improve their game at every practice.
“We pick something to get better at,” McLellan said earlier this week. “And we will, and the guys will respond and we’ll do it again.”
Then he added: “We’re going to get on a plane and maybe go play the Stanley Cup favorites. It won’t be easy, but we’re gonna get up to bat and swing the bat. We’re not there to walk.”
The game he was talking about was the road game tonight at Edmonton (9 p.m., FanDuel Sports Network). The Edmonton Oilers are 11-3 in their last 14. That looks intimidating but not if you realize the Red Wings are 11-4-1 in their last 16.
Red Wings Numbers Improving
In the 16 games under McLellan, the Red Wings are now averaging 3.43 goals per game and giving up 2.81 goals per game. By contrast, the Oilers scoring average and goals-against for the season is 3.32 and 2.70. Those are comparable numbers.
McLellan’s record reflects the fact that he has made this team more competitive, especially against better teams.
“The group’s been really good,” McLellan said. “I don’t think anybody gets too far ahead. We haven’t overdone things. We’re just little pieces at a time and maybe that helps. We’ll give them something to work on and try and get better and then we’ll try and put it into play in Edmonton and continue to refine what we’ve already put in.”
Four Games in a Row PK Perfection
One undeniable fact is the Red Wings will have to perform better on the road to qualify for the playoffs. They are are 9-10-3 away from Little Caesars Arena, and 19 of their last 32 games are on the road. They are 3-2-1 on the road under McLellan, with wins over the Florida Panthers and Winnipeg Jets included.
The key for Detroit down the stretch may be improved penalty killing. The Red Wings still rank 31st out of 32 teams with a 69.6% efficiency. However, the Red Wings’ PK has been 71.8% (23-for-32) since McLellan took over. They have gone 3-0-1 in there last four games while blanking opponents on seven consecutive power plays.
Plus, Detroit is only giving up an average of two power plays per game since McLellan’s arrival. The Oilers have a top-five power play, and the Red Wings want to keep it off the ice.
“I think when you avoid the penalty box you’re doing one of two things – you’re really good positionally and you’re skating,” McLellan said. “That avoids the reaching penalties and everything else that comes in. Or you’re just not aggressive and you’re passive and the game keeps coming to you. As long as we’re aggressive and we’re skating and we’re in position, I’d like to think we’re going to take fewer penalties. We’re trying to get them to believe in that. Just don’t take them being passive.”