In a span of 40 days, the Red Wings seem to have transformed into another team, moving up to the top wild card spot. They have fashioned two seven-game winning streaks and McLellan’s 15-4-1 record ties Mike Babcock for the best 20-game start with the club for a Red Wings coach.

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 Red Wings just put together their second seven-game winning streak under new head coach Todd McLellan. "Obviously, I'm not sure any of us thought we'd be in this position," Patrick Kane said. "You gotta give Todd a lot of credit too.

Even Patrick Kane had to laugh and admit, “I’m not sure any of us really thought we’d be in this position right now, but what a spot we’re in.”