Red Wings Shake Up: McLellan Takes Over Amid Struggles

The Detroit Red Wings have made a significant change by dismissing coach Derek Lalonde on Thursday and appointing Todd McLellan as his successor. This decision by general manager Steve Yzerman comes amid another disappointing season, with the team currently mired in a three-game losing streak and having won just three of their last 12 games. The Red Wings sit at 13-17-4, placing them near the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings, just ahead of the struggling Buffalo Sabres.

Todd McLellan, who has taken on his fourth head coaching role in the NHL, previously coached the San Jose Sharks, Edmonton Oilers, and Los Angeles Kings. He brings a wealth of experience, having led teams to the playoffs nine times and compiling an impressive career record of 598-412-134. Notably, McLellan was an assistant coach for the Red Wings in 2005 and played a part in the team’s 2008 Stanley Cup victory.

Lalonde, who was nearing the midpoint of his third season with the team and had enjoyed success as an assistant coach with Tampa Bay, finished with an overall record of 89-86-23 in Detroit. With this overhaul, assistant coach Bob Boughner was also let go, and Trent Yawney has been brought on to support McLellan.

Despite recent acquisitions like three-time Stanley Cup champion Patrick Kane, the Red Wings have struggled to replicate their past successes, which include four Stanley Cup wins between 1996 and 2008. The team seems poised to extend its playoff drought to nine years, which would mark one of the longest spans in the league.

This change is part of a larger trend in the NHL this season, with McLellan becoming the fourth coach to be replaced and the 15th this calendar year, indicating a period of volatility across the league.

In summary, as the Red Wings seek to revive their fortunes, Todd McLellan has the potential to usher in a new era of hope and improvement, reconnecting the franchise with its storied past. The upcoming game against the Toronto Maple Leafs will be a crucial test for McLellan and a possible turning point for the team.

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