DETROIT – The Detroit Red Wings were out of a playoff spot one week ago. Today, they lead the Atlantic Division.

The Eastern Conference is tighter than usual, nearly one-quarter of the way through the season.

“You look at the standings and if you’re on top of the mountain, you’re really not on top of the mountain,” Red Wings coach Todd McLellan said. “You’re in the middle of the forest.

“It’s so tight. There may be a little changing of the guard. Some of the powerhouses may be getting a little older. Some of the teams that were trying to climb that mountain may be catching up. But it’s only 20 games. That’s why when you get into those last 10 or 12 games and you’re six or eight points in or out, that’s a significant number to make up with three-point nights.”

The Red Wings (12-7-1) are

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