The Detroit Red Wings were in search of a new coach after Jeff Blashill was relieved of his duties. Looking for a new coach that would operate well in Detroit’s system, general manager Steve Yzerman sought out his former employer, the Tampa bay Lightning, to find Blashill’s replacement in Derek Lalonde.
Lalonde immediately made a connection with the organization and built chemistry with the roster. The Detroit Red Wings had one of the more successful seasons they have had in a while, making a serious run at a playoff spot into February.
Lalonde has a player friendly mentality but will voice his frustration if need be. He has already left his mark on the city of Detroit and the red Wings roster, with the hopes of being more successful next season and hopefully a playoff spot.
Lalonde and his success in Detroit should not come as a shock. He has won at every stop he has made, even in the minor leagues. He has won in the ECHL with the Toledo Walleye, in the AHL with the Iowa Wild, and in the NHL in Tampa Bay with the LIghtning. Lalonde has brought in a winning attitude and has built a resume that some coaches in the NHL right now would like.
The Red Wings as a team greatly improved in a number of areas according to statmuse.com, as they are listed below. Under the guidance of Lalonde, the Detroit Red Wings, along with some off-season moves, could be in contention for a playoff spot again next season.
Stats that the Detroit Red Wings improved in under head coach Derek Lalonde
The Red Wings penalty kill was 18th in the 2022-23 season, up from 32nd in 2021-22.
The power play was 17th in the league, compared to 26th in 21/22.
The Red Wings put more shots on goal, ranking 11th in the league, as they were 25th in 21/22
The goal differential is still a work in progress, in this past season, they were a -39 as compared to -83 in the 21/22 season.
In 21/22, the Detroit Red Wings had 74 points in 82 games. This past season, they had 80 points in 82 games.
The Red Wings had four games with seven goals scored this past season they had just one game with seven goals the previous year under Blashill.
The Red Wings point percentage also increased under Lalonde. This past season they had a point percentage of .488 compared to just .451 the previous season.
Lalonde is the perfect coach for the Detroit Red Wings. He is a great teacher, a motivator, and a great student of the game. With some small roster changes, the Red Wings could capture their first playoff spot in years. Lalonde has Detroit on the right path, and they could be one team to keep an eye out for next season.