Derek Lalonde Coach of the Year Candidate

So a few weeks ago there was all this hype here. People starting talking a lot about the Red Wings head master and his coaching staff. A lot of fair weather fans starting popping up and showing out. Then a small losing streak happened injuries happened and it really showed in the fan base. I don't think I've seen so many people complain and become internet coaches then over the last few weeks. Most of these internet coaches wouldn't even know which skate goes on which foot, but now know how PP entry's work like the back of their hand. That is hard for us diehards too keep biting your tongue, while confidently knowing that the wins will come. We all do it though, have too sometimes, and just let the fair weather fans fade away. Do they have a point here though that this team is not quite there yet? Of course they do and its so obvious it hurts.

This is a 3 year rebuilding team with a first year head coach, what were your expectations? It seems that most people don't even remember that, with what Coach Lalonde has gotten out of this team. But, this team is not a complete team. They do not execute at a high level every night,  and, they certainly do not have the skill to hang with top contenders in a 7 game set. This is the truth and anyone who didn't know that as been living in another Universe. Because, that has been the reality of this team for years and they are barely 3 months in too a new coaching staff. I was blown away at all the negative and down right wrong things that have been tossed around in the last few weeks. I mean really what did you expect that they were just going to flip a switch and be a 20 win team before 2023 hit? That would be one of the greatest turnarounds for any team ever. What this team has built for this year is amazing and its clear that they can get to the playoffs if they keep playing well but this is not a Stanley Cup contending roster. They are a long shot and always were going to be this year. So again what is all this ridiculous rumbling and grumbling about? This is a much improved roster and way better coaching staff lets be real this team is better and could win a lot more this year then most thought. A few game losing streak isn't enough too undo all that and its just darn right ridiculous too think that so quickly. It blows me away how many people were so quickly to jump all over this team once a few losses hit. 

Again, what did you expect, seriously it just doesn't make any senses zero at all. Plus, why take a away from the great things this team has done. Just to start nitpicking every little tiny mistake. We all agree Lalonde is a away better coach then Blashill. Like way better their isn't really a great comparison for how much better. HE IS JUST BETTER PERIOD. But, hey I thought Blashill was a terrible hire and a sad excuse for a water boy from day one so my opinion is biased. Don't get me wrong im sure he is a good guy and may still have a great carrer. But wow was he terrible in Detroit like historically bad, one of the worst coaches in team history in fact. Along with his W. Michigan man Danny Dekeyser who was also subpar his whole carrer. The only nice thing people ever seemed to say was well man he is a good skater. I think I speak for all hockey fans when I say that we know what that really means, and hint hint it is not a good thing. Anywhoser, Lalonde seems to have the chips in hockeytown that Blashill just simply didn't. Their numbers aren't through the roof on the special teams units but they are better. The PP is 4% higher, which is a huge margin for the PP for those of you that don't know, and their PK is almost 7% higher then last year. Yes these numbers are skewed a bit because were only about a third of the way through the season. The numbers from last year are the full season, this is a huge improvement! And all this credit has too go to Coach Lalonde and his staff. Yzerman added on a few rotational pieces and grinders but no big names, no big PP guys that are just dominant for those spots. Yes Perron deserves all the credit he gets, and has always been good on the PP, but he isn't a franchise changing player. His work is done mostly under the radar and in the trenches. The guys does all the little right and always has. You could bring up Kubaliks resurgence has someone other then Lalonde as well, but I don't see it. This coaching staff deserves most if not all the credit and there is no reason to question them yet. But, hey people are doing just that, and their wrong. Head Coach Derek Lalonde should be being talked about for the Coach of the Year!

There is a chance this team crumbles throughout the rest of the year buy it don't see it. Lalonde and his staff have been consistent and creative in their lineups and strategies thus far. Doing enough to get this team over .500. So have some faith Wings nation because this is just the start of what could be a beautiful relationship. There is no need to start nitpicking and blasting strategies when they are already so much better then years past. If anything we should be talking more about this coaching staff and what an incredible job they have done. They are so improved and half their roster has been out throughout this whole time too!! If that doesn't get you excited and make you have some belief in this team and Coach Lalonde then good riddance. I think the the Red Wings will be just fine without. So, too this point in the year I think we have to instead start considering Lalonde has a coaching of the year Candidate. Something that Blashill could never even get a whiff of. Look at the facts this team is better in every single statistical category across the board, not just for last year for the last three years! Yes, they have a lot of younger guys and Yzerman has filled out the roster a bit. We all know that, but, the way that this team has changed their identity and playmaking is way more coaching then anything else. If your not hopping on this train straight to the awards ceremony then bye-bye and I don't want to hear a peep from anyone about it. Lets give the man the props he deserves for the holidays and show some more faith in Coach Lalonde and the Yzerplan. So without further ado here is my endorsement for Coach Derek Lalonde has a Coach of the Year candidate. 

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