The Detroit Red Wings have shaken things up behind the bench, firing head coach Derek Lalonde after a rough start to the season that’s seen them lose nine of their last 12 games.
The team’s sitting near the bottom of the NHL standings, and their 13-17-4 record wasn’t doing them any favors.
Todd McLellan is stepping in to replace Lalonde. It’s a homecoming of sorts – McLellan cut his teeth as an assistant coach with the Wings back in the 2000s before going on to lead teams like the Kings, Oilers, and Sharks.
He’s got quite a track record. In 16 seasons as a head coach, McLellan’s teams have hit the 50-win mark three times and racked up five 100-point seasons. His teams have made the playoffs nine times, though he hasn’t won a playoff series since 2017 with Edmonton.
For the Red Wings, one of hockey’s most historic franchises, the struggles have been real. They haven’t made the playoffs since 2016, and they’re staring at what could be their ninth straight season watching the postseason from home – something no Original Six team has ever done.
Last year looked promising under Lalonde. The Wings were in the playoff hunt right up until the final day, only to lose out in a tiebreaker with Washington.
There have been some bright spots. Young gun Lucas Raymond has really come into his own as a top forward, and rookie defenseman Simon Edvinsson was playing great before getting hurt this month.
But the veterans haven’t kept up their end. Even Patrick Kane, who’s headed for the Hall of Fame someday, has struggled with just 14 points in 29 games.
The numbers tell a pretty ugly story. The Wings are near the bottom of the league in just about every important offensive category at even strength. Their penalty kill might be even worse – only the Islanders have been more ineffective when short-handed.
The team gets back to work Friday night when they host Toronto, hoping their new coach can turn things around.
