The Detroit Red Wings have been one of hockey’s hottest teams since firing Derek Lalonde and naming Todd McLellan his replacement behind the bench. In the nine games since Dec. 26, the Red Wings are 7-2-0, including a seven-game winning streak that was snapped Tuesday night.

Detroit is now 20-19-4 with 44 points, seventh in the Atlantic Division and 11 points back of a Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference. With 39 games to go, the Red Wings’ attempt at making the playoff may be a long shot, but with the way McLellan has his group playing, anything is possible

On Wednesday’s episode of Daily Faceoff LIVE, Frank Seravalli and Tyler Yaremchuk discuss the Red Wings recent success and if they can sustain it long enough to clinch a playoff spot.

Tyler Yaremchuk: The Red Wings have gotten themselves back in the playoff mix. This turnaround, and them under Todd McLellan, do you think this is legit?

Frank Seravalli: Legit to an extent. Do I think the Red Wings are a contender? No. Do I think they can make the playoffs? Yes. They were right there last year, just a point back. The Morning Cuppa Hockey guys had Ken Daniels on this week to talk about their last season and this season, and how it’s unfolding. It’s kind of painful to remember how close Detroit was to making the playoffs.

I see no reason why they can’t be that team this year, the one that breaks through and grabs that eighth seed, or potentially catch up whomever is in seventh. But they’re still a flawed team, and that’s what we keep coming back to. That defense needs to improve significantly. The structure they’re going to play under McLellan, as a consistency thing, that part can be worked out and will certainly help support a team that is as tough on the backend as any other.

You can watch the full segment and the rest of the episode here…