Derek Lalonde knows he needs to handle biggest defensive flaw this year
Photo credit: TSN
Derek Lalonde understands that the Detroit Red Wings must address their defensive flaws this season.
Last year, the team nearly made the playoffs despite ranking 24th in goals against per game (3.33), relying heavily on their high-scoring offence, which ranked ninth (3.35 goals per game).
«We made strides last year,»Derek Lalonde said, entering his third year as coach. «We were able to score goals, but defensively, we were in the bottom 10. We need to improve our goals against.»
The Detroit Red Wings lost five players who combined for 75 goals, including David Perron and Robby Fabbri. Newly acquired Vladimir Tarasenko and a full season from Patrick Kane, Jonatan Berggren, and Alex DeBrincat should help offset this loss.
The team's defensive unit, including Simon Edvinsson, Albert Johansson, and veteran Erik Gustafsson, will be crucial. Derek Lalonde emphasized the need for improved team defence, stating:
«We need everyone to contribute. It's important to keep the puck out of the net if we want to reach our goals.»
| POLL | ||
12 AOUT | 34 ANSWERS Derek Lalonde knows he needs to handle biggest defensive flaw this year Do you think the Detroit Red Wings will lower their GAA this year? | ||
| Yes | 28 | 82.4 % |
| No | 6 | 17.6 % |
| LIST OF POLLS | ||
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