The timing, though, couldn't be worse for McLellan and his top assistant, Trent Yawney. Because of the NHL's holiday break, they will be coaching the Red Wings against the Maple Leafs on Friday night without a single practice in charge.

The Detroit Red Wings’ issues go beyond their struggles to score or keep the puck out of their net. That’s been evident to general manager Steve Yzerman the past couple of weeks and no more apparent than in Monday’s dreadful 4-0 loss to St.