"Lalonde should be investigated","Build the statue": Hockeytown fans elated after Detroit Red Wings' 7-1-0 record under new HC Todd McLellan

On December 26, 2024, the Detroit Red Wings announced the dismissal of head coach Derek Lalonde, replacing him with veteran coach Todd McLellan. The 57-year-old McLellan, who signed a multi-year contract, has strong ties to the team, having served as an assistant coach during their last Stanley Cup win in 2008.

Many Red Wings fans hoped McLellan's return would reverse the team's fortunes and end their eight-season playoff drought. Two weeks later, McLellan has proven himself, leading the team to a 7-1-0 record and a seven-game winning streak.

Elated Detroit Red Wings fans flooded X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday, praising Todd McLellan's impressive coaching efforts after the team's dominating 6-2 win over the Seattle Kraken. The Red Wings' remarkable turnaround has propelled them from the Eastern Conference cellar to within just two points of a wild-card spot.

Fans' reactions on X have been enthusiastic, with comments such as:

"They haven’t been this much fun to watch since the last time McLellan was behind the bench," one user on X wrote.

"Seriously.. what did McClellan bring into that locker room?" one fan questioned.

"Build the statue," another user on X added.

"The Toddfather Effect is real," one fan noted.

Meanwhile, some fans have criticized former head coach Derek Lalonde, under whom the Detroit Red Wings posted a dismal 13-17-4 record with just 30 points through 34 games, ranking them second-worst in the Eastern Conference. Now, they are just two points shy of a wild-card spot.

"Lalonde should be investigated," one fan wrote.

"Investigate Lalonde, and give McLellan a key to the city," another fan added.

"is derek not embarrassed omg," reacted another fan.

With a regular-season record of 598-412-134 in 1,144 games and a 42-46 postseason record, Todd McLellan brought 16 years of NHL experience to the Red Wings. Having led three teams – the San Jose Sharks, Edmonton Oilers and LA Kings, McLellan's arrival renewed hope for a swift rebuild and a return to winning ways. So far, he has proven everyone right.

Detroit Red Wings match longest winning streak since 2012 with a 6-2 win over Kraken

NHL: Seattle Kraken at Detroit Red Wings - Source: Imagn

Since relieving head coach Derek Lalonde of his duties, the Detroit Red Wings have undergone a remarkable transformation under new coach Todd McLellan. On Sunday afternoon, the Red Wings extended their winning streak to seven games with a convincing 6-2 victory over the struggling Seattle Kraken at Little Caesars Arena.

This win matched the Red Wings' longest winning streak since January 12-23, 2012. The team dominated the game from the start, taking a 4-0 lead in the first period. Marco Kasper, J.T. Compher, Alex DeBrincat, Patrick Kane, Erik Gustafsson, and Dylan Larkin each scored a goal for the Red Wings.

The Detroit Red Wings will look to continue their momentum when they host the San Jose Sharks on Tuesday night.