Top NHL insider Frank Seravalli explains exactly why the Detroit Red Wings fired Derek Lalonde
Photo credit: https://x.com/DailyFaceoff/status/1872359154393948426
The Detroit Red Wings made a major change in leadership this afternoon, hiring Todd McLellan and firing Derek Lalonde; NHL insider Frank Seravalli has his reaction.
Out is Derek Lalonde as head coach of the Detroit Red Wings, along with now-former assistant coach Bob Boughner.
Arriving back into town is former Stanley Cup-winning assistant Todd McLellan, who previously served under Mike Babcock from 2005 to 2008; he later had head coaching gigs with the San Jose Sharks, Edmonton Oilers and Los Angeles Kings.
Additionally, former Chicago Blackhawks defenseman and head coach Trent Yawney, who has often served on McLellan's staff with other clubs, is once again joining him - this time in Detroit.
NHL insider Frank Seravalli of The Daily Faceoff explained in no uncertain terms why the move was made by Steve Yzerman, especially given Detroit's results so far this year.
Steve Yzerman provided a new meaning for Boxing Day on Thursday when he announced that, well, coach Derek Lalonde can come in and box up his office.
Let's start by breaking down how we arrived at this point with Derek Lalonde and the Red Wings. Well, they lost 3-straight heading into the holiday break....a 3-game losing streak coupled with the Red Wings holding up 15th in the Eastern Conference.
Let's start by breaking down how we arrived at this point with Derek Lalonde and the Red Wings. Well, they lost 3-straight heading into the holiday break....a 3-game losing streak coupled with the Red Wings holding up 15th in the Eastern Conference.
They've scored the fewest goals in the Eeast, and also have the worst goal differential at the holiday break in the East in a year in which the Red Wings were expected to take a step forward forward this year. They shouldn't be in competition with the Buffalo Sabres, who are one of the teams that are right below them in the standings.
Increased expectations and decreased results, and that explains what Lalonde's tenure was like for the most part.
This is a team that should have taken a step forward with their younger players.
Increased expectations and decreased results, and that explains what Lalonde's tenure was like for the most part.
This is a team that should have taken a step forward with their younger players.
The Red Wings were stuck in a rut under Derek Lalonde
It was a move that the Red Wings had to make after they'd completely stagnated under Lalonde in his 3rd season behind the bench.
Throughout various points this year, the Red Wings had a historically poor penalty killing unit along with horrendous 5v5 numbers. Additionally, their defense has mostly struggled.
Meanwhile, now-former Red Wings blue liners like Jake Walman and Shayne Gostisbehere are thriving and lead their respective new teams in scoring by a defenseman.
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