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

Detroit — Sunday marked the one-month anniversary of Todd McLellan taking over as head coach of the Red Wings. McLellan replaced Derek Lalonde on Dec. 26, with the Wings in seventh place in the Atlantic Division and eight points out of an Eastern Conference playoff spot.

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.

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.

New Detroit Red Wings coach Todd McLellan said Thursday he prioritizes honesty in building relationships with players.

"I thought the third period against Seattle the other day showed up," McLellan said Tuesday. "We were sloppy in that third, we gave up quite a bit. We started the game that way – we didn’t break pucks out very well and when we did enter the offensive zone,

The Detroit Red Wings return home both a bit deflated and encouraged. They take a three-game winless streak against Atlantic Division rival Montreal Canadiens on Thursday after a day off that will allow them to decompress from playing four games on a six-day trip.

Detroit Red Wings react after 2-1 (OT) loss at Philadelphia Flyers

The immediate status report on Detroit Red Wings forward Michael Rasmussen is that his departure from Saturday's game looked worse that it was.

Cam Talbot stopped 28 shots for his second shutout of the season as the Detroit Red Wings beat the Tampa Bay Lightning 2-0.

The Detroit Red Wings' future is being shaped by GM Steve Yzerman's front office planning meetings, and by coach Todd McLellan's work with prospects.

Johansson has averaged 17:10 and posted an even plus-minus rating in 10 games under McLellan and assistant Trent Yawney, who coaches the defense. Prior to that, he averaged 13:02 and posted a minus-6 rating in 17 games while being shuffled in and out of the lineup.