The Detroit Red Wings look more energetic, enthusiastic and confident under Todd McLellan. Whether that’s the typical new-coach bump in performance teams often experience or something that will last and maybe even propel them in the playoff chase remains to be seen.

Detroit Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman knew his team needed a change. So did his captain, Dylan Larkin. As a result, Yzerman and Larkin were each speaking to the media on Friday — the day after Yzerman fired head coach Derek Lalonde and replaced him with Todd McLellan.

The Red Wings weren't playing as well as expected, and general manager Steve Yzerman felt it was time to do something.