from Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press,
"I think we’re starting to understand each other better, to anticipate each other a little bit more, anticipating where the puck is going to go," Andrew Copp said. "There have been a lot of improvements, but we’ve still got a long ways to go."
A fifth of the way through the season, the Wings show improvement compared to this point last season in numerous per-game averages: Goals for (3.28 vs. 2.83), goals-allowed (3.17 vs. 3.33), power play percentage (20.9 vs. 16.7) and penalty kill percentage (79.6 vs. 77.6). One of first-year head coach Lalonde's best traits is how calm he has been, through the five-game point streak that began the season, and through some doozy mishaps like giving up eight goals in games at Buffalo and at home to the Rangers. He's realistic about the talent the Wings have — or rather, haven't — and complimentary of the determination that has led to being in playoff positioning.
"It's blocked shots, tracking, back checking, getting above plays," Lalonde said. "All those hard things you have to do to be successful. There are nights we are just not going to out-talent a team. I was fortunate to be in Tampa where if we didn’t play our best, our big talent got us through some games. We’re not going to get many of those nights here."...
"There’s a difference between winning hockey and, unfortunately, where they were at the end of last year," Lalonde said. "It was a tough situation — depleted lineup, they had no chance of making the playoffs. What are you playing for? We talk about our ‘why’ in the room all the time, and what was the ‘why’ then? Are guys cheating for points? It’s a little tougher in those situations to put your body on the line.
"Our goal all along was improving our team defense and playing meaningful games later in the year. We’re not there yet, but hopefully we can get there."
more (paid)
One of first-year head coach Lalonde's best traits is how calm he has been...
Well, That Other Guy was "calm" too. Some might even say he was comatose a lot of the time.
For me, Lalonde's best trait is his honesty. I haven't heard any of the "stock" responses that filled the air for the past six years. And based on things the players have said, it seems like he's just as forthright with them.
From day one you could hear in the players' voices the enthusiasm they have about playing for Newsy. And that enthusiasm is what I saw on display last night. It's finally exciting to watch the Wings again because they're so excited about what they're doing.
I was watching a Tampa Bay game a few years ago on the TB feed and Lalonde, not Cooper, took the after-game interview. It was impressive how well he knew and talked the game. I didn't know him from Adam, but wondered when we'd be seeing him as a head coach somewhere.
Yep ... a great hire.
I think you hated Blashill so much that you can't see how similar these two are. Time to let it go.
Happy Thanksgiving!
I think you hated Blashill so much that you can't see how similar these two are.
You've had way too much Thanksgiving cheer, biv. Lalonde couldn't be more different than Blashill in style and substance. At least that's my observation after two months of watching the guy.
And for the recond, I didn't hate Blashill. I hated the way he managed the Wings. Those are two very different things.
from Nate Brown of Detroit Hockey Now,
Though the rebuild itself wasnt officially started until general manager Steve Yzerman took over, the Red Wings Stanley Cup contender window started closing the last time they were at least five games over .500. Once Pavel Datsyuk walked away, so too did any realistic chance Detroit had of advancing deep into the playoffs.
From there, it was a rebuild on the fly, which resulted in a five game series loss to Tampa in 2016, trading players away for draft capital, and then draft lottery disappointments. Once Yzerman arrived, the true, painful version of many more losses than wins began.
But the shrewd moves Yzerman and the front office made in the draft, free agency, and through trades are beginning to come to fruition. The players Yzerman retained from former general manager Ken Hollands drafts have also been major players in Detroits improvement.
Theres still a lot of hockey to be played. Its been a long wait for Red Wings fans to see their team not only competitive, but returning to former glory.
But this Thanksgiving, Detroit finds itself in a very strong spot for playoff consideration. Fans endured some brutal seasons but the faith shown is being rewarded.
2 more topics, Hronek and Hellberg
no Detroit Red Wings goaltender had done since the Great Depression.
I think that means the 21-22 season? That was pretty depressing.
Create an Account
In order to leave a comment, please create an account.