The Daily: Red Wings McLellan: ‘All We’ve Done is Get Back to the Start Line’; Chicago Rumor

With all of the excitement surrounding the Detroit Red Wings’ improved performance level, it’s noteworthy to hear coach Todd McLellan, the new ringmaster, saying: “All we’ve done is get back to the start line.”

He not trying to douse enthusiasm with cold water, but wants to point out that the work is far from over. The truth: Being in a playoff spot this morning guarantees them nothing.

The Red Wings have 29 games remaining to prove they deserve the position they are in — the No. 1 wildcard position in the Eastern Conference. They are only one point out of third place in the Atlantic Division.

How hard will it be for the Red Wings to hold their postseason berth? Tankathon.com lists Detroit as having the hardest remaining schedule.

After tonight's win, it's likely that McLellan is an improvement of .246 in win percentage for the Wings this year #LGRW pic.twitter.com/aLdLydZQST

— Derek Grifka (@DerekGrifka) February 3, 2025

Bob Duff’s story details McLellan’s plan to continue to take one step every day in the name of changing this team’s culture to one with an emphasis on consistency of effort.

“I’m not changing how I approach it,” McLellan said. “A game at a time, a practice at a time. Find ways to get better.”

Red Wings in Case You Missed it

Alex DeBrincat nets a pair of goals, including an overtime tally, to help Red Wings upend Vancouver 3-2.

Based on Detroit’s prospect list, GM Steve Yzerman can eventually have a defense made up of players drafted under his command. More talented D men are coming.

Lucas Raymond and Dylan Larkin are rubbing off on rookie linemate Marco Kasper. 

Red Wings Extra

Detroit will be looking for its seventh consecutive win Tuesday when it faces a road contest against the Seattle Kraken (10 p.m. ET, FanDuel Sports Network). This is a Seattle team (23-28-3) that is 5-5 in its last 10.  It sits 28th in the league’s overall standings, while Detroit is now 15th with its 27-21-5 record. The Detroit team is 14-4-1 since Todd McLellan took over as coach.

Hockey Now Network

Boston: The power play creates a winning formula for the Boston Bruins.

Chicago: As the NHL trade deadline draws nearer, interest in Chicago forward Ryan Donato seems to be picking up. Chicago Blackhawks.

Colorado: MacKenzie Blackwood continues to show he can be Colorado’s answer in net. He posted back-to-back shutouts. Colorado Avalanche. 

New Jersey: Defensive play betrays New Jersey in loss to the Buffalo Sabres. New Jersey Devils. 

Philadelphia: Give the Flyers offense an F. Philly has been shut out for the third consecutive game. Philadelphia Flyers. 

Pittsburgh: Dave Molinari writes that rebuilding requires more than making a couple of quality trades. Pittsburgh Penguins.