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Loss to the Habs: Todd McLellan picks up the Red Wings

Originally posted on Dose.ca | Last updated Oct 10, 2025 11:03 PM ET

Yesterday, the Canadiens won 5-1 against the Red Wings, who were playing their opening game of the 100th anniversary celebrations. With the exception of the first five minutes, the Wings didn’t really look the part last night as they struggled to keep up with the Habs.

Coach Todd McLellan didn’t take kindly to this performance, criticizing his players in his post-game comments:

pic.twitter.com/QYyLsnICFr-

Spittin’ Chiclets (@spittinchiclets) October 10, 2025

According to him, his club didn’t play to win the game and didn’t give themselves a chance. McLellan really didn’t like his players’ preparation and their effort on defense having allowed too many overhits to the Canadiens.

Entering his first season with the Red Wings after replacing Derek Lalonde last December, is McLellan already feeling the pressure to win? The problem in Detroit is that fans are getting really impatient after nine seasons of not making the playoffs.

It’s all the more difficult given that the club has been part of the spring ball for 25 consecutive years, winning the Stanley Cup four times.

Detroit fans are used to better things, and Steve Yzerman’s rebuilding plan, the Yzerplan, is taking a long time to produce results, while the Red Wings have been in the mix for the last 4-5 years, knocking on the playoff door but not making it. We’ve been going around in circles for a few years now. Yesterday, to be honest, I thought the Red Wings played soulless hockey, an empty performance. Nights like that can happen in a season, but when it’s in your season opener and at home, it can indeed be worrying. And if the results aren’t there this season and Detroit were to miss the playoffs for a tenth year in a row (the second-longest drought in the NHL after the Sabres), we could well see a major housecleaning in the organization.

’En

– His first game.

Welcome to the AHL Jacob!
Welcome to @TheAHL pic.twitter.com/8xRsREOouW-

Rocket de Laval (@RocketLaval) October 11, 2025

– His second goal of the game.

Hage with his second of the night, this one on the power play and Michigan leads 4-! pic.twitter.com/XNo2SqYFcK-

Michigan Hockey (@umichhockey) October 11, 2025

– A great visit!

Mark Carney and Gianni Infantino are here at Stade Saputo, in the club box with Joey, Luca and Simone Saputo.

Joey has Infantino sitting on his left and Carney on his right. pic.twitter.com/dQl1nXIvvv-

Maxime Truman (@MaximeTruman) October 11, 2025

– We’re about to find out the Jays’ opponent.

https://t.co/8jbuNkfuZ4