As we close the book on 2025 and roll into 2026, the Detroit Red Wings are doing it from a place nobody expected — on top of the Atlantic Division. An incredible 11-3-1 December has completely shifted the outlook of this season, and it starts behind the bench with Todd McLellan.

In this episode, we look back at McLellan’s first year as Red Wings head coach and why his impact has been felt immediately. From structure, to accountability, to the buy-in across the lineup, Detroit looks like a different team. We also break down John Gibson’s massive month, piling up 9 wins in December, and how goaltending has stabilized this group when they’ve needed it most.

On the ice, Moritz Seider and Simon Edvinsson continue to dominate and anchor the blue line, but it hasn’t all been perfect.

We dive into the 5-on-5 scoring concerns, especially for players like Dylan Larkin and Lucas Raymond, and ask whether injuries, fatigue, or deployment are playing a role.

Plus, we touch on the World Juniors and Olympic Rosters.

And of course… the question everyone’s asking. Is this team for real, or is the regression coming?

🔥 In this episode:

✅ Wrapping up a heater in December (11-3-1)

✅ Todd McLellan’s first year behind the bench

✅ John Gibson’s 9-win month

✅ Seider & Edvinsson dominating defensively

✅ 5-on-5 scoring issues for Larkin & Raymond

✅ Injuries, Olympics & World Juniors talk

✅ Are the Red Wings legit… or just lucky?

Sound off in the comments — Are the Detroit Red Wings true contenders for a top 3 spot in the division? Or, is it all just luck?

Like, subscribe, and stay locked into Hockeytown Rundown as we head into 2026 🚨

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