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.

The Kings take a two-goal lead in the first period before losing, 5-2, against their former head coach and dropping to 2-5-1 over their last eight games.

Todd McLellan faced a lot of hurdles as the first Detroit Red Wings coach to join the team midseason in more than 40 years on Dec. 26. He had little or no knowledge of the players, hadn’t worked with the coaches who remained on staff after Derek Lalonde was dismissed and didn’t have the benefit of any practices – let alone several – before having to step behind the bench.

Even Patrick Kane had to laugh and admit, “I’m not sure any of us really thought we’d be in this position right now, but what a spot we’re in.”