DETROIT -- When the Detroit Red Wings replaced coach Derek Lalonde with Todd McLellan on Dec. 26, they were eight points out of the second wild card into the Stanley Cup Playoffs from the Eastern Conference. They looked lifeless on the ice.

Mechanical issues with their airplane meant the Wings didn't get home till Sunday afternoon, costing them a much-needed day off.

At one point, McLellan cut a drill short and demanded a restart, expressing displeasure at wayward passes. Later, he pointed out a lack of tipped and deflected goals, beseeching his forwards to change that. "Keep the gates closed!" he called during one live drill, frustrated at some cavalier changes from players in between reps.

This affiliate content is not influenced by our advertising relationships, but AP and Data Skrive might earn commissions from our partners’ links in this content.

While they didn't have their fingerprints directly on the game-winner, it was a gold medal game littered with Detroit Red Wings prospects. Jesse Kiiskinen (whom Detroit acquired via trade in June) scored the opening goal of the evening on the power play, funneling down the slot before wiring home a wrist shot.

A coaching change has revived the Detroit Red Wings' season. They were tied for last place in the Eastern Conference but they've jumped back into the playoff picture with a four-game winning streak.

This affiliate content is not influenced by our advertising relationships, but AP and Data Skrive might earn commissions from our partners’ links in this content.

Dylan Larkin scored a pair of goals, including one on the power play, as the Detroit Red Wings won their fourth straight game, beating Winnipeg, 4-2.

The Detroit Red Wings are concluding their honeymoon phase with new coach Todd McLellan. So far, there’s been nothing but wedded bliss. The Red Wings are 4-1, taking a four-game win streak to the ice Tuesday as they begin a four-game homestand against Atlantic Division rivals the Ottawa Senators.

Todd McLellan has tapped into the team’s offensive ability. That’s one reason the Red Wings are riding a season-long four-game winning streak and are 4-1-0 under their new coach.

The Red Wings play their next four at home before their schedule gets much more difficult. According to tankathon.com, the Red Wings currently have the second-toughest remaining schedule (their opponents have a .571 points percentage). And they play 23 of their final 39 on the road.