Confirmed with Link: Wings Fire Lalonde and Hire Todd McLellan

19 for president

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Apr 28, 2002
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I am glad to see us get a HC with some experience. We need someone that can actually formulate a system as Lalonde was never able to. I'm still not expecting us to zoom towards a playoff spot, but I expect so see systems in place that could actually win us some games.

I want to see the young guys create good habits and see a coach that can stand toe to toe with a guy like Kane if he isn't pulling his weight. Vets need to hustle and play the right way, if they aren't then they need to sit.

I wish we had done this before the season, but I'm glad to see it happen now. I did fear that this kind of season would be the one to creep into next season if Stevie didn't do something to address it now.
 

19 for president

Registered User
Apr 28, 2002
3,115
1,406
Second coach Yzerman has fired.

There shouldn't be a third for most GMs before it's their turn.
I think he can get away with one more coach change if its perennial playoff team to true cup contender, but he won't survive another can this guy to try and make the playoffs.

Unless some crazy Babcock level drama happens and gets Todd fired, he has to get this team to the playoffs no later then next season or Stevie is going to end up on the hot seat.

Larkin, Ray, Ed, Seider, Kasper are too many good young players on this team to not see them take the next step. If we can't its because Stevie has not done a good job bringing in the depth to support those players. (IE we still have not addressed the fact that we only have 2 top 4 dmen)
 
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wings95

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Mar 17, 2009
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Georgia
Wish Lalonde well in his future endeavors. Hope so he Wings play to their strengths, which IMO is a more wiser open style. We shall see. I want more physical play also but was it Lalondes system or the horses he was given? Not sure how much more physical the Wings can get.
 

OneMoreTry

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Sep 26, 2021
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From what I read, being defensively sound is a priority (nothing speaks against that), but his teams always had good possession numbers, so it cannot be “dump & chase” after winning pucks.
 
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Holden Caufield

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Oct 9, 2020
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Ontario
The Good;
Lalonde was a terrible coach and the entire team was playing uninspired, lifeless hockey. Glad he is gone. Maybe the team will be watchable rest of season.

I don’t mind McClelland. A decent choice and knows the market well.

The Bad;
Any hopes of landing a Hagens/ Martone/Shaefer/Misa exit with Lalonde.
Incoming 8-10th overall pick yet again.
 

OgeeOgelthorpe

Riccis per 60 record holder
Feb 29, 2020
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Glad Lalonde was fired but man, this is not a coach who brings out the offense. He loves playing trap as well.

This is not a roster that brings out the offense either. Detroit has a league average 1st line, an average to below average 3rd line as their 2nd line, and 2 average to below average 4th lines.

Mclellan would have been awesome for last year's team that had offensive firepower spread through the lineup but needed some defensive structure.
 

ShanahanMan

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Jan 31, 2009
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Tokyo, Japan
This is not a roster that brings out the offense either. Detroit has a league average 1st line, an average to below average 3rd line as their 2nd line, and 2 average to below average 4th lines.

Mclellan would have been awesome for last year's team that had offensive firepower spread through the lineup but needed some defensive structure.
I agree with your second point completely
 
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SirloinUB

Registered User
Aug 20, 2010
5,081
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Canada
I genuinely think MacLellan is a good coach and I’m very glad yzerman went with someone experienced.

That said, I feel weirdly pessimistic about this move.

While I don’t think Lalonde was the answer here, I think I would have preferred to ride that out.

Making a change like this suggest yzerman felt the team was underachieving and wants to push for playoffs. When I look at the roster, I’m not sure I buy that. I also think an “accidental” top pick would have done wonders for the rebuild.

It feels a little too panicky to excite me.

I guess we’ll see.
 

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