Derek Lalonde Makes First Comments Since Being Fired by the Detroit Red Wings
Former Detroit Red Wings coach Derek Lalonde has released a public statement, his first comments since being fired by GM Steve Yzerman on Boxing Day
It wasn't a great holiday for Derek Lalonde. The now former Detroit Red Wings head coach was fired on Dec. 26, and replaced by veteran Todd McClellan.
While Detroit Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman snapped at a reporter while explaining his decision to make a coaching change, Derek Lalonde chose to be much more reserved in his first comments since getting the boot.
In a statement released through Elliotte Friedman during Hockey Night in Canada's Saturday Headlines segment, Lalonde was nothing but grateful for the chance he was given by the Red Wings and Yzerman.
While Lalonde seemed to be well respected by his players, his record at the helm of the Red Wings' bench over the past three seasons was not great at 89-86-23, while the team missed the Stanley Cup Playoffs since he was brought on board.
There are a growing number of fans and analysts that believe the Detroit Red Wings' troubles start and end with General Manager Steve Yzerman.
Either way, Todd McLellan has to make sure his voice is heard for the team to have any chance at getting better and turning around their postseason fortunes.
| POLL | ||
DÉCEMBRE 29 | 425 ANSWERS Derek Lalonde Makes First Comments Since Being Fired by the Detroit Red Wings Do you think GM Steve Yzerman is the issue with the Detroit Red Wings, or was it Derek Lalonde? | ||
| Yzerman | 109 | 25.6 % |
| Lalonde | 107 | 25.2 % |
| Both | 134 | 31.5 % |
| Not sure | 75 | 17.6 % |
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| Complete stats | ||||
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Capitals | 46 | 31 | 10 | 5 | 67 | |
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| Conference | Cumulative | ||||||