Ansar Khan of Mlive answers some fan mail.

Q: Have you ever, in all your time reporting, seen a team cry out louder for new coaching? – Peter

A: You can make a strong case for Jeff Blashill being replaced. The Red Wings have the fewest points in the NHL and rank last in goals for, goals against and the power play. They have lost eight in a row in regulation and are winless in 10. Coaches have been fired for less.

But this team is so thin on talent and skill that I don’t think it would make much difference who is coaching. Expectations were low entering the season. Blashill wasn't going to be judged as much on wins and losses as he was the team's compete level and growth of young players....

Q: (Andreas) Athanasiou is leading the league on the wrong side of the plus/minus stats. Will a change of scenery benefit him and the Wings if they get current or future help for him? – C Josefs

A: I think so. Athanasiou has been in the rumor mill before, notably during difficult contract negotiations that cost him the start of the 2017-18 season, but the Red Wings were right to keep him and were rewarded with a 30-goal season in 2018-19.

But while this season has been a struggle for virtually everyone on the roster, it has been particularly difficult for Athanasiou, who has five goals and 15 points in 28 games, along with an NHL-worst minus-31 rating.

more on each of the above questions plus more Q and A...