The Detroit Red Wings didn’t give former head coach Derek Lalonde a chance to weather the storm following the team’s return from the mini-holiday break.
Lalonde, in his third year with the team, was relieved of his coaching duties on Thursday after a disappointing start to the year that started with postseason expectations. The Red Wings currently sit 15th in the Eastern Conference and seventh in the Atlantic Division with just 30 points in 34 games.
Lalonde will be replaced by former Red Wings assistant Todd McLellan. The 57-year-old most recently served as coach of the Los Angeles Kings.
The Red Wings nearly made the playoffs last season for the first time since 2016 as the once-storied franchise continues to toil in mediocrity.
Detroit, one of the NHL’s famed ‘Original Six” organizations, has captured 11 Stanley Cups. Since 1994 alone, the Red Wings have claimed six Presidents Trophies (earned by accumulating the most points in the regular season).
Lalonde nearly helped snap the postseason drought last season, winning 41 games and only missing out on playoff hockey by a wacky tiebreaker that allowed the Washington Capitals to sneak in.
The team’s young core, assembled by franchise legend and general manager Steve Yzerman, has mostly underperformed this year. Lucas Raymond leads the team with 13 goals and 33 points in his 34 contests.
The Red Wings also boast a slew of fading ex-New York Rangers. Patrick Kane is in his second year with the team but the 36-year-old is past his best, tallying just 14 points.
Other veterans like Andrew Copp, Vladimir Tarasenko, and Tyler Motte have also undeformed. The team’s lone bright spot is yet another old Ranger: 37-year-old Cam Talbot.
Lalonde expressed optimism about righting the ship following the team’s mini-holiday break. “The break is coming at a really good time,” he said in what would be his final press conference with the team.
“Obviously, our last two and a half games, were definitely searching. [Were] a little fragile, maybe. Its frustrating [considering] the way this homestand started. We need the break. The break is coming at a really good time.
In McLellan, Detroit is getting one of the most experienced head coaches currently available. He owns a 598-412-134 career record and reached the Western Conference Finals twice with the San Jose Sharks.
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