Now getting to see Raymond through eight games and daily practices, McLellan is understanding how good a player Raymond is, and can be in the future.

The Detroit Red Wings wrapped up a three-game home stand Monday when they hosted the Los Angeles Kings, who jumped out to an early lead thanks partly to a mishap by the Wings – but that only momentarily quieted fans at Little Caesars Arena.

McLellan has put his stamp on the Red Wings a month into his tenure. They’re playing faster. They’re scoring more. They’re outshooting opponents most nights because of better puck possession and a newfound shot mentality.

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.

Marco Kasper scored twice, Lucas Raymond had a goal and three assists, and the Detroit Red Wings rallied to beat the Los Angeles Kings 5-2 on Monday night. Elmer Soderblom scored his first goal of the season and Alex DeBrincat also scored as Detroit erased a 2-0 first-period deficit.

Coach Todd McLellan saw the Red Wings' seven-game winning streak end, but he didn't pull any punches in his honest assessment of his team's problems.

Raymond had an assist, three shots on net and one block in Thursday's 4-2 win over Montreal. Several Canadiens defenders bought Raymond's fake to the slot before he slipped the puck to Alex DeBrincat,

Todd McLellan didn't cushion his opinion after watching the Detroit Red Wings lose for the first time in eight games. The Wings (20-19-4) head on their first extended road trip under McLellan tarnished by a 6-3 loss to the San Jose Sharks that basically reinforced McLellan's concerns from the previous game.

Plus a hit parade in Vancouver, a savior in Ottawa, the timeline of witnessing all-time greatness in Washington and much more.

DETROIT – Coaches emphasize the importance of players going to the net but getting them there often is easier said than done. Not with Marco Kasper. The Detroit Red Wings rookie goes to the net and stays there. And he’s been getting rewarded for it.

20-year-old Red Wings rookie Marco Kasper has enjoyed a promotion in recent weeks, moving up to Detroit's top line, beside captain Dylan Larkin and Lucas Raymond. It's a move that's paid dividends for Kasper as an individual and for the line.

From afar, before he took his current job, Detroit Red Wings coach Todd McLellan was certain about one thing when it came to Lucas Raymond. He knew that the kid was a real talent.