Eye-opening stat on Detroit Red Wings coach Derek Lalonde release
The Detroit Red Wings suffered their 5th straight one-goal loss last night, causing them to lose even further ground in the Eastern Conference and their division.
The frustrating refrain continued for the Detroit Red Wings last night against the former rival Colorado Avalanche, losing a 2-1 final.
It was Detroit's 5th straight loss by one goal.
It was also all the more inexplicable considering Avalanche goaltender Alexandar Georgiev had more closely resembled a soggy piece of Swiss cheese all year with a .867 save percentage up until last night.
He more closely resembled Detroit's former nemesis Patrick Roy, making multiple highlight-worthy stops; his last game resulted in his being yanked after allowing four goals in the first period against Buffalo earlier in the week.
The loss dropped Detroit to 10-13-4, only one point out of last place in the Eastern Conference.
And an eye-opening stat was release showing the disparity in Detroit's point total at this point in the year compared to coach Derek Lalonde's first two years with the Red Wings through 27 games.
Rather than improve each year, the Red Wings have actually regressed under Lalonde:
23-24: 32pts 14-9-4
24-25: 24pts 10-13-4
How much more leash does Derek Lalonde have?
Two Original 6 teams have already parted ways with their respective head coaches in as many weeks.
The Bruins handed Jim Montgomery his walking papers despite a winning percentage north of .700 during his time with the team.
Additionally, the rebuilding Chicago Blackhawks, who were not expected to compete for a postseason spot this year, parted ways with Luke Richardson and indicated the move was made after expectations weren't being met.
Currently, Lalonde is the betting favorite to be the next head coach let go by his team, but the Red Wings haven't made an in-season coaching switch since 1985-86.
Will GM Steve Yzerman follow this precedent, or will his hand be forced if Detroit can't dig itself out of this current hole?
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 8 | 139 ANSWERS Eye-opening stat on Detroit Red Wings coach Derek Lalonde release The Detroit Red Wings are 7 points worse through 27 games in 2024-25 than they were in 2022-23, Derek Lalonde's 1st year as coach - should that be a fireable offense? | ||
| Yes, his message+strategy clearly isn't workin | 125 | 89.9 % |
| No, he should remain at his post behind the bench | 14 | 10.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
