Detroit Red Wings and Steve Yzerman may fire coach

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Josh tupper
April 1, 2024 (4:26 PM)

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The Detroit Red Wings and general manager Steve Yzerman had high hopes for the team this season. After years of rebuilding the Red Wings were hoping to finally make a playoff appearance this season, and the team continues to pursue that. It now appears that head coach Derek Lalonde 's future might be tied to accomplishing that goal.

The Red Wings currently sit two points outside of the final Wild Card spot in the NHL Standings. With just eight games left, Detroit themselves in a race with four other teams for just one playoff spot. The Philadelphia Flyers currently hold the final Wild Card spot while being chased by the Red Wings, New York Islanders and New Jersey Devils.

Now rumors have surfaced that if the Red Wings miss the playoffs they could be in search of a brand new head coach. According to Bob Duff of Detroit Hockey Now, a coaching change has already been considered.

As per Bob Duff of Detroit Hockey Now, "An NHL source is telling Hockey Now that the possibility of a coaching change is something that is being pondered by Detroit Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman." The Red Wings continue their free fll out of a playoff position and Yzerman's patience is running low. The source notes that former St. Louis Blues coach Craig Berube might be the leading candidate for the job.

Lalonde is currently in the second year of a 3-year contract with the Red Wings. In 156 games Lalonde has a record of 71-67-18. If the Red Wings choose to go this route Berube would bring an extensive amount of experience to the team, something they are in desperate need of.

But only time will tell if the Red Wings can find their way into the playoffs and if so, if that is enough to save their head coach's job.