Red Wings Coach Believes Honesty is Best Policy

McLellan was brutally honest in his assessment of defenseman Justin Holl’s performance following Tuesday’s 6-3 loss to the San Jose Sharks.

He stated that Holl had played a terrible game.

It wasn’t meant as a method of singling out Holl. It was done in a manner to suggest that Holl himself knows he can be much better than the performance he turned in that night.

“I sat with Justin the next day and told him the exact same thing,” McLellan said. “In fact, he told me basically what I was going to tell him prior to me even meeting with him. And I think that’s how relationships are created.

“We come back with him (in Florida), we put him in the lineup, we believe in him. I think I believe I told you that I’ve seen him play some really good games and expect one of those from him.”

Holl Rebounds For Red Wings

Holl did rebound in the 5-2 win over the Panthers. He played 14:12 and was even.

“He’s a veteran player and he holds himself accountable,” McLellan said. “I know we’re signaling out one individual, but there were many others that, that didn’t play very well the other night and everybody had some sort of conversation, whether it was just a casual skate by or whether it was a sit down.”

Maybe it’s the Saskatchewan in him. McLellan comes from Melville, the same hometown as Red Wings icon Sid Abel. Winters are harsh and brutal there. When -40 degrees is showing on the thermometer, there’s no time for small talk, for beating around the bush.

You get right to the point.

He’s in the same boat as a coach who was taking over a sinking ship in the midst of its journey. McLellan doesn’t have time on his hands to wait and see how the wind is blowing. He’s got to get the boat sailing in the right direction and he’s got to do it right away.

Overall, though, it comes down to this: McLellan’s theory is that by telling people the truth and not what you might think they want to hear, you’re building relationships.

In his mind, the same holds true whether you’re talking about a marriage, a family, or a hockey team.

“Relationships aren’t only when it’s all grand and everything’s good, you’re on big family vacation,” McLellan explained. “Sometimes, the best relationships are at home when things aren’t going real well, kids are acting up, and you and your wife have to discipline or, or provide some guidance for them.

“It’s no different than being around the team.”

Based on the 8-2 record the Red Wings own under McLellan’s leadership, honestly, it’s hard to argue with his philosophy.