Detroit Red Wings coach Derek Lalonde reveals message he got from John Tortorella after infamous goalie pull

The Detroit Red Wings were eliminated from postseason contention last year after the Flyers gave up an empty net goal to the Capitals in regulation, a true gut punch to fans everywhere.

Detroit Red Wings fans everywhere still remember the final pair of thrilling games against the Montreal Canadiens to close out last year, both 5-4 victories by the former.

Detroit initially trailed in both games by 4-1 scores, but came out on top in both games; first, Lucas Raymond scored the tying and winning goals at Little Caesars Arena:

Then, the Red Wing were saved by a Hail Mary from David Perron, who scored off a faceoff win with just five seconds left in regulation; Detroit won the game in the shootout.

And while Perron's goal kept the Red Wings alive in their quest for the postseason, it was during overtime they learned as a team that it didn't matter any more.

The Philadelphia Flyers were battling the Washington Capitals at the same time; both teams were also vying for the final Wild Card postseason spot.

If the Flyers lost in regulation, they would be eliminated; with the score tied 1-1 late in the third period, coach John Tortorella gambled by pulling his goaltender for an extra attacker, but it ended in disaster as Washington's T.J. Oshie scored into the vacated cage.

The Capitals won the game and secured the final postseason spot; both the Red Wings and Flyers were officially finished for the year as a result.

And while angry Red Wings fans everywhere pointed a finger at Tortorella, Detroit's he received the next day from the Flyers coach.

«Obviously, his success as a coach, but when the doors are closed, I think he's a big-time human being. I don't really know him. People don't see those things in him.

They see the brash, the hard. Obviously, it's someone I look up to in our profession, the career he's had, and being an American coach, too.