NHL News: Todd McLellan sends strong message to Red Wings star Patrick Kane amid playoff push

The Detroit Red Wings defeated the Vegas Golden Knights by a score of 3-0 in a big win that could help boost the organization as they vie to snap their eight-season NHL postseason drought. Patrick Kane was a big reason for Detroit’s success, once again, and though it comes as no surprise to many, head coach Todd McLellan took a moment to address the 36-year-old’s form.

Kane registered an assist during the Red Wings shutout victory over the Golden Knights, extending his points total to 11 (3 goals and 8 assists) in March. The star forward in Mo-Town has stepped up his performance recently, despite having to face the odds time and again.

Showtime’ underwent a hip surgery in 2023— a procedure no NHL player had ever gone through before. Now, in 2025, Kane looks as healthy as ever, and his performance on the ice is a testament to his remarkable recovery.

Head coach McLellan hadn’t been in Motor City when Kane underwent surgery, but he’s certainly taken note of his latest impact in the scoresheet and on the ice for the Red Wings.

Head coach Todd McLellan of the Detroit Red Wings reacts during practice at Ohio Stadium on February 28, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio.

“I just think that [Kane] loves playing hockey still,” Red Wings coach Todd McLellan said, via NHL.com. “He comes and he wants to play, and he wants the puck and he wants it to make plays.

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“Does it always go perfect? No. But he can’t wait to get back on the ice again, and that excitement to play remains there in a player that could just say, ‘I’m full. I’ve got my Cups. I’m going to the Hall of Fame.’ He knows that. We all know that. [He could say] ‘I’m secure in my life.’ But the hunger’s still there.”

McLellan reflects on shutout win over Vegas

With their win at home against the Golden Knights, the Red Wings have now cut within two points of the New York Rangers, who currently hold the second wild card berth in the Eastern Conference. However, this triumph by itself won’t mean much for Detroit if they are unable to build on it and find consistency.

The Red Wings haven’t won two or more games in a row since February 25, when they defeated Minessota after taking down Anaheim the game before. Perhaps this convincing victory is what McLellan’s team needed to gain confidence.

“At the end of the night, the scoreboard was a really good thing for our team,” Todd McLellan said. “It was a good night for a lot of our players, which should give us some confidence.”

Menacing force

Up next, Detroit will make the trip to the nation’s capital city, where they’ll take on the Washington Capitals. Not only will the Red Wings go head-to-head with the best team in the conference, they will face Alex Ovechkin, amidst a historic chase for the NHL all-time goals record.

Patrick Kane #88 of the Detroit Red Wings is introduced before a game against the Pittsburgh Penguins at Little Caesars Arena on October 10, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan.

The 39-year-old Russian has tallied 25 career goals against Detroit, per Statmuse, and will be aiming to add to that total on March 18. With just eight goals separating him from the milestone, Ovechkin has no shortage of fuel or motivation.