DETROIT — That bump, or spark, that many teams get after hiring a new coach mid-season, well, the Red Wings didn't get one.

The Wings pretty much Friday looked like the team that has disappointed much this season, losing 5-2 to the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Friday's debut of new head coach Todd McLellan, who replaced Derek Lalonde the day before, didn't go according to plan. Toronto scored three first-period goals, two from Mitch Marner who completed a hat trick in the second period.

The Wings (13-18-4) have lost four consecutive games and with Buffalo's victory, are tied with the Sabres with 30 points for last in the Eastern Conference (the Wings are ahead on percentage points).

Lucas Raymond's power-play goal, his team-leading 14th goal, at 8 minutes, 17 seconds and Simon Edvinsson's fourth goal about four minutes later averted the shutout.

McLellan, after Friday's morning skate at his introductory press conference, emphasized there is plenty to work on but the mental state of the team is vital.

"The spirit of the team has to improve," McLellan said. "When something like this happens (coaching change), the spirit of a team is at a low. We'll work hard to build that back up."

McLellan talked Friday about how unique this was for him. He's never before walked into a new head coach position in the middle of the season, and faced the complexities that come with that situation.

"I just don't know what is going to happen, how it's going to evolve," McLellan said. "This, for me, is brand new. I've been in the league since 2005, my first year here (as an assistant coach), and I've never walked into this situation before (mid-season head coach). I've been the guy kicked out the door unfortunately but never come in at this time.

"One thing that I know is I can't overreact, or over coach, or over teach, or over meet with players because it's going to be too much."

"There are certain traits I'd like to see," McLellan said. "I have some beliefs that certain things have to happen in a game on both sides of the puck, systemically or structurally. We've played many systems and styles in my time coaching. Good coaches don't bring their suitcase with them and force it on the player.

"You try something for the group and try to lead team to wins. We have to focus on a few areas (early) and try to change that and then build."

The Leafs came out roaring. David Kampf, stationed just in front of extended crease, batted a pass from Steven Lorentz behind the goal line, just through Cam Talbot at 2:29.

Then Marner went to work. He scored his first goal at 8:16, one-timing a slick between-the-legs pass from John Tavares through the slot, giving the Leafs a 2-0 lead.

Marner scored his second, and extended the lead to 3-0, one-timing a shot from the flanks on William Nylander's pass at 19:28.

Marner completed the third hat trick of his career — and second against the Wings — at 16:23 of the second period. Marner deflected Oliver Ekman-Larsson's point shot, his 13th goal, pushing the lead to 4-0.

Nicholas Robertson made it 5-0 with just 1.2 seconds left in the second period. After a faceoff victory, Robertson worked himself all alone near the post and tapped it Max Domi's pass.

Alex Lyon replaced Talbot (16 saves on 21 shots) to begin the third period.

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