Report: Detroit Red Wings coach Derek Lalonde's fate will be decided soon
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Facing intensifying scrutiny over his team's inconsistent and sluggish play, Detroit Red Wings head coach Derek Lalonde's fate could be decided soon, according to one notable hockey analyst.
Detroit Red Wings coach Derek Lalonde is in the final year of his contract, which began with his hiring in 2022 after GM Steve Yzerman chose not to retain former coach Jeff Blashill.
Despite speculation that a potential change could take place during this past offseason, Yzerman brushed aside any thought of replacing Lalonde during his end-of-season media session back in the spring.
Once again, the Red Wings are plagued by inconsistency and a maddeningly puzzling inability more often than not to quickly fall behind in the shot totals.
Based on a report from noted analyst Darren Dreger, Lalonde's fate could be decided over the next several days when the Red Wings have a critical stretch of four straight games on home ice.
They're only three points out of a Wild Card spot and they've got a crucial three-game home stand happening this week. What happens if they go 1 for 3 or 0 for 3?
We know that Steve Yzerman is loyal to his coaches, but they have to remain competitive.
We know that Steve Yzerman is loyal to his coaches, but they have to remain competitive.
So if they have a good home stand everything should be fine.
If they don't that might force Yzerman to make a decision and the sense is that they would go with an internal interim-candidate and then hope that a top coach eventually becomes available.
If they don't that might force Yzerman to make a decision and the sense is that they would go with an internal interim-candidate and then hope that a top coach eventually becomes available.
Since taking the job of Red Wings coach in 2022, Lalonde has won 85 games, lost 79, and lost 21 in overtime/the shootout.
Prior to his arrival in Detroit, he was an assistant coach with the Tampa Bay Lightning under Jon Cooper, and won back to back Stanley Cups in 2020 and 2021.
| POLL | ||
NOVEMBRE 26 | 121 ANSWERS Report: Detroit Red Wings coach Derek Lalonde's fate will be decided soon Will Derek Lalonde make it to the end of his 3-year contract with the Red Wings? | ||
| Yes, he'll coach until the end of this season. | 25 | 20.7 % |
| No, he'll be let go before then. | 96 | 79.3 % |
| List of polls | ||
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