Maligned Detroit Red Wings coach Derek Lalonde is now the betting favorite for next coach fired
Detroit Red Wings head coach Derek Lalonde is feeling some serious heat right now, and the latest odds show he's got the best chance to be the next fired NHL coach.
There may not be another head coach in the NHL today who is facing more heat and scrutiny than Detroit Red Wings coach Derek Lalonde, who is in the final year of his 3-year deal.
As the calendar has shifted into December, the Red Wings are once again near the bottom of the Atlantic Division and the Eastern Conference.
This has been made possible thanks to several inexplicably frustrating losses to opponents like the Anaheim Ducks and San Jose Sharks, as well as an inability to begin a game on time or to protect a 3rd period lead.
And as the clamors from angry fans who want a change made continue to grow louder, Lalonde is now the betting favorite to be the next fired NHL coach.
According to Bet Online, Lalonde leads all coaches currently on the hot seat with 5/4 odds to be terminated.
He's followed by Andrew Brunette of the Nashville Predators, Mike Sullivan of the Pittsburgh Penguins, Patrick Roy of the New York Islanders, and Jared Bednar of the Colorado Avalanche.
Andrew Brunette (NSH) 3/2 odds
Mike Sullivan (PIT) 3/1 odds
Patrick Roy (NYI) 8/1 odds
Jared Bednar (COL) 10/1 odds
There have already been a pair of coaching changes in the NHL in recent days; Boston Bruins parted ways with Jim Montgomery late last month, while Luke Richardson was dismissed by the Chicago Blackhawks yesterday.
Will Detroit Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman make a switch behind the bench?
The Red Wings have not made an in-season coaching change since 1985-86 when Harry Neale was let go after a poor 8-23-4 record in 35 games.
He was replaced with former Detroit defenseman Brad Park; he became the team's sixth new coach five years.
But if the Red Wings slide continues, Yzerman's hand may be forced.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 6 | 127 ANSWERS Maligned Detroit Red Wings coach Derek Lalonde is now the betting favorite for next coach fired When will the Detroit Red Wings dismiss head coach Derek Lalonde? | ||
| Before the New Year | 58 | 45.7 % |
| They won't; he'll finish this year out regardless | 69 | 54.3 % |
| List of polls | ||
