The Red Wings (24-21-5, 53 points) would tie Tampa Bay and Columbus for the final wild card spot with a win over the Oilers and a regulation loss by the Blue Jackets at Vegas, though technically Detroit would still trail based on points percentage and tiebreakers.

The first thing Todd McLellan felt needed changing when he took over the Wings was the mood. Thanks to an 11-4-1 record since arriving, it has.

In 16 games since McLellan took over, the Red Wings are 11-4-1, riding a three-game win streak as they prepare to head to western Canada on Wednesday. It’s not unusual to see a midseason coaching change bring better results in the NHL, but now more than 30 days in, the Red Wings’ surge has lasted longer than a simple adrenaline rush.

The Detroit Red Wings believe in themselves again, says new head coach Todd McLellan. That has made all the difference in the world.

Detroit Red Wings head coach Todd McLellan wasn't happy with their poor net presence in Saturday night's 5-1 loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Veteran forward Andrew Copp said the Detroit Red Wings have a togetherness they lacked before head coach Todd McLellan was hired in late December.

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.

Todd McLellan has Red Wings rolling into west coast road trip. Brad Galli has more

Todd McLellan’s strategy as a Christmas replacement head coach of the Detroit Red Wings is to present his players with one change to improve their game at every practice.

The Red Wings practiced at Little Caesars Arena’s BELFOR Training Center on Wednesday morning before departing for Edmonton. Patrick Kane (upper body) and Vladimir Tarasenko (illness) both participated, but J.T. Compher (upper body) and Jeff Petry (undisclosed) did not.

Mattias Janmark scored a goal… On a goalie.  A tying goal in the first period by Janmark was his first goal with a goalie in the net since June 24th of last year.

The Red Wings aren't shaping up as an obvious buyer or seller at this year's deadline. But can they use it to look ahead to next season?