Red Wings Kane Thriving in Life Without Lalonde

If you’re impressed by the way that Patrick Kane can dance around the ice with the puck on his stick, you should see him in action as he tries to dance around the reasons for his night and day season with the Detroit Red Wings.

Every word he said was a sublte acknowledgment that former Wings coach Derek Lalonde had no concept of how to get the best out of one of the most skilled NHLers of the past generation.

“Obviously, before, I think we played more of a safe game,” Kane was telling reporters following Friday’s game-day skate. “Try not to make too many mistakes.”

Since Todd McLellan took the place of Lalonde behind the Detroit bench on Dec. 26, it’s ignited a fire under Kane. Since the coaching change, he’s been producing like . . . well . . . Patrick Kane.

“Now we’re definitely more on the attack, more aggressive,” Kane said of playing under McLellan. “Five guys more into the offensive zone, into the play. Five guys more connected.

“I think that’s helped me a lot, too.”

Red Wings Kane On Fire In New Year

The numbers back up the sentiment. Under Lalonde, Kane was producing 5-9-14 numbers over 29 games. There was a nine-game stretch in which he was held pointless.

Since the coaching change. Kane has 14-24-38 totals in 35 games playing for McLellan. He counted five points in March 12 win over Buffalo. There was a seven-game point streak and he’s never gone more than two games without a point.

One of the more haunting memories of the Lalonde tenure was the day he was proudly boasting of finally convincing Kane to dump the puck into the zone. Because that’s exactly what you want one of the game’s most skilled puckhandlers doing – giving up possession.

Patrick Kane – Detroit Red Wings (19)
Power Play Goal pic.twitter.com/rN0JYvEIaB

— NHL Goal Videos (@NHLGoalVideos) March 28, 2025

McLellan is allowing Kane to be Kane and the results speak for themselves.

“I’ve really enjoyed playing for Todd, and I think he’s kind of definitely helped me take my game to the next level compared to what I was doing earlier on in the season,” Kane said. “Also, his kind of more aggressive offensive approach, getting more shots, playing a little more north, south type . . . that’s been a huge part.”

Reuniting Kane With DeBrincat

One of the factors playing into Kane’s increased productivity has been a reunion with longtime linemate Alex DeBrincat. The two were a terror together in Chicago. This season, they figured in just five goals together when Lalonde was coaching. They’ve connected 21 times under McLellan.

Patrick Kane – Detroit Red Wings (18)
Power Play Goal pic.twitter.com/7l94n7ttTT

— NHL Goal Videos (@NHLGoalVideos) March 23, 2025

“I think before Christmas, I played with DeBrincat a little bit, but it seemed like they, the coaching staff prior, didn’t really, I don’t want to say believe in us playing together, but didn’t really care too much to put us together all the time.”

And I’ve been playing with him pretty much the whole time since Christmas, except for a couple games coming back after injuries. So that’s helped as well.”