DETROIT (Michigan News Source) – Mid-season coaching changes can be difficult, as outcomes vary for different teams. When Detroit changed its head coach late in December, it jump-started a team that is now one of the hottest in the NHL.

Todd McLellan took over on December 28, and the Red Wings have posted the best NHL record since, at 17-4-2. With their play and one of the best power-play teams in the NHL, they are poised to make the playoffs for the first time in eight years.

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Since McLellan took over, Detroit has converted 39.1% of its power plays, which is the best in the NHL. In that time, too, the attack offense has improved, with 42 goals and 59 assists led by Lucas Raymond, Dylan Larkin, Patrick Kane, and Alex DeBrincat.

In the latest NHL power rankings, Detroit is eighth, moving up one spot with a record of 30-22-6. They are coming off a Tuesday night, 3-2, win over the Minnesota Wild on the road. Simon Edvinsson said after the nail-biting win, “Huge win! It’s hard, this arena. The two points are awesome.” It was Edvisson’s first NHL multi-goal game.

Detroit will play on Thursday night in Little Caesars Arena against the Columbus Blue Jackets before heading to Ohio for the NHL Stadium Series on Saturday night.