from Kevin Allen of Detroit Hockey Now,

Tampa Bay Lightning assistant coach Derek Lalonde was in Detroit Tuesday to interview for the vacant head coaching job, according NHL Network analyst Kevin Weekes....

Joe Smith of the Athletic profiled Lalonde after he temporarily became Lightning head coach. Cooper was in COVID-19 protocol.

Lalonde a Colorful Character
The gifted writer said Lalonde possesses an outgoing personality and self-deprecating humor that helps him connect to player. He often starts speeches with a joke. His fashion faux pas are legendary. Mismatched socks. Tie-shirt coordination that doesn’t work. Old man shoes. He often faces ribbing about his wardrobe.

“Lalonde can take it,” Smith writes, “as the short-and-stocky, bald coach notes his resemblance to Uncle Fester from “The Addams Family.” He’ll tell players that he was a Division III goalie back in the day, but he’s still got issues skating crossing over to his left.”

more