Yzerman made the move to fire Derek Lalonde and associate head coach Bob Boughner on Dec. 26. At the time, the Red Wings were 13-17-4 and just two points out of eighth place — last place — in the Atlantic Division. Now, 19 games later, the Wings are up to fourth in the Atlantic and currently in a wild card spot.

With an overtime win in Vancouver and a successful western Canada swing, the Red Wings are firmly back in the Eastern Conference race.

The Red Wings were eight points out of a playoff spot when Todd McLellan took command of the Red Wings on Dec. 2 Tonight, Detroit can move into the Easten Conference’s last wildcard spot by winning in Vancouver.