The Hockey Writers’ Tony Wolak offers his assessment as to why the Red Wings fired Derek Lalonde and hired Todd McLellan as the team’s new head coach today:
Back in November, I suggested that the Red Wings consider a coaching change. McLellan was my top choice with this rationale:
“McLellan checks all the boxes – he’s a motivator, creates buy-in with structure, can adapt to personnel, and has loads of experience. In fact, he has coached most of Detroit’s front office. McLellan has also shown the ability to implement a sound defensive strategy and deploy various offensive approaches based on team composition.”
The Red Wings really do need a motivator. It was clear that Lalonde couldn’t push the right buttons to maximize Detroit’s talent. That’s something McLellan has shown the ability to do at his various coaching stops.
Drastic change won’t happen immediately. If anything, McLellan’s fresh perspective alone will help the team. They’ve been stuck in a rut for some time now waiting for the other shoe to drop. And now that change has taken place, they can loosen up a bit and get back to playing quality hockey.
Continued; good stuff from Tony as always…
