Dylan Larkin of the Detroit Red Wings. Photo Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

The Detroit Red Wings have embarked on a rollercoaster of a season in the 2024-2025 NHL campaign, showcasing both the depths of struggle and the heights of resurgence. Early on, under the now-former head coach Derek Lalonde, the Red Wings found themselves toward the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings with a record of 13-17-4. The team’s performance was lackluster, with a noticeable gap in scoring ability and defensive solidity, which left fans and analysts alike questioning the franchise’s direction.

However, a significant turning point came with the appointment of Todd McLellan as the new head coach. Under his leadership, the Red Wings have experienced a dramatic turnaround. They’ve managed to win 15 of their last 19 games, a big difference from their previous form. This surge included two separate seven-game winning streaks, catapulting the team from the depths of the league standings into a playoff conversation.

The Red Wings’ defense has notably improved since McLellan’s arrival. Moritz Seider, one of the team’s cornerstone defensemen, has been given a more strategic role, which has taken away some of the pressure he faced under the previous leadership. This adjustment, combined with a newfound team discipline and better game management, has seen Detroit give up fewer goals, providing a solid foundation for their offensive players to take advantage of opportunities.

On the offensive front, the Red Wings have seen a return to form from players like Alex DeBrincat, who has been a key player in overtime victories, including a crucial game-winner against the Vancouver Canucks. The team’s scoring has become more consistent, with players stepping up in critical moments, which has been a big factor in their climb up the standings. Their offensive output has not only been about the stars; it’s been a collective effort, with depth players contributing to the scoreboard.

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As for their playoff odds when it comes to clinching a playoff spot, the outlook is optimistic. With a record of 15-4-1 since McLellan took over, they’ve managed to secure the first Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference, sitting just one point out of third place in the Atlantic Division. This position has sparked hope among fans that the Red Wings might end their playoff drought, which has been around since 2016.

The road ahead is challenging; Detroit faces one of the toughest remaining schedules in the league, with numerous games against playoff contenders. The team’s ability to maintain their current form will be tested. However, the recent momentum and the psychological boost from their winning streaks cannot be ignored. If the Red Wings can continue their defensive solidity and continue to find scoring from various lines, they stand a chance of securing a playoff berth.

In summary, the Detroit Red Wings’ season has been a tale of two halves. From a horrendous start to a furious comeback, even some other teams’ fans are noticing. The Red Wings have shown that with the right coach, they can compete at a playoff level.