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 Detroit Red Wings wrapped up a three-game home stand Monday when they hosted the Los Angeles Kings, who jumped out to an early lead thanks partly to a mishap by the Wings – but that only momentarily quieted fans at Little Caesars Arena.

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.

The Detroit Red Wings' future is being shaped by GM Steve Yzerman's front office planning meetings, and by coach Todd McLellan's work with prospects.

Wings coach Todd McLellan made a point of stating how much of a surprise Albert Johansson has been in the last couple weeks.

Johansson has averaged 17:10 and posted an even plus-minus rating in 10 games under McLellan and assistant Trent Yawney, who coaches the defense. Prior to that, he averaged 13:02 and posted a minus-6 rating in 17 games while being shuffled in and out of the lineup.

Good starts like Thursday's vs. the Montreal Canadiens key to keeping the Detroit Red Wings in crowded Eastern Conference playoff race.

Todd McLellan making a difference as Red Wings head coach, faces Kings for first time since firing. Brad Galli has more.

The Detroit Red Wings are contending for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference this year. And on Monday night, they picked up a massive win over the Los Angeles Kings. Detroit coach Todd McLellan’s former team raced out to a 2-0 lead in the first period.

Lucas Raymond is on fire, and is the third Red Wings player to hit the 20-goal mark this season. Todd McLellan compared him to Red Wings great Henrik Zetterberg. Brad Galli has more.