You can see some thoughts in the video clip above made just minutes after Todd McClellan’s presser. Apart from that, Detroit has issues that were touched on by the new coach. You can see some time stamp thoughts on the presser itself below. The general takeaway is that the team’s inconsistent work ethic is evident to anyone who has watched. A good period, or even a good shift, can be followed up with a complete fall off.
To be clear, yes in this blog it has been reiterated multiple times that the coach needed a change. That doesn’t mean that LaLonde was the only or even the biggest issue. The team lacks talent in too many areas. When you’re less talented there needs to be a potent work ethic and leadership to help narrow the gap. That’s not there. There are no clean hands on where the team is at this point. Players have checked out, and free agent acquisitions failed to compensate for outgoing talent.
The unfortunate reality in sports now is that the coach is the easiest major change to make. Now Coach McLellan has to solicit a massive shift in culture. For many of you in the comments (possibly most) the season is lost. The team still needs more “give a crap” when they’re out on the ice and in the room. At best this needs to be a wake up call to any players who have more to give and haven’t been digging in. That won’t fix the team, but will get the culture moving in the right direction.
It sounds like around 10 days ago the conversation about the head coach position started (there is a time marker below) and Todd had to leave the family gathering at their cottage to get suits/gear from home to get into Detroit last night at around 8 p.m. for a tour. Edvinsson and Chiarot were both on the ice this morning. Other than that it’s now watch and see. One practice on the day of his first game behind the wheel isn’t a lot. The next few days/games are going to show if a new message is being absorbed or at least the disappointment makes players mad enough to play harder.
Check out the 2 minute mark. At least some part of the timing seems to have been a surprise as he had to leave the family Christmas to pick up suits, etc to come to Detroit. Says near the 11 min mark that the first conversation was 10 days ago regarding the gig.
Acknowledged lack of “superstars” around 14 min. Only 10 in league spread over 32 teams. Interesting to hear that perspective.
At 17 min mark talked about joking text from Talbot saying,”again?” Also acknowledges Larkin shouldering a lot of weight. Wants to see other leaders step up and says,”it starts with me”.
At 20 min mark, will start with familiar lines but expects faster, smarter, harder. May even switch in game and practice tomorrow depending on how they look.
Detroit Red Wings Blogger • 
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