Detroit Red Wings Players Throw More Shade at Derek Lalonde After Their Sixth Straight Win
The Detroit Red Wings have been riding a wave of success, winning six consecutive games. But despite their impressive streak, it seems the team’s relationship with their head coach, Derek Lalonde, has continued to raise eyebrows. Players have, in a somewhat subtle, yet very telling way, thrown more shade at their coach as they bask in their victory streak.
The Red Wings’ recent surge, fueled by standout performances from young stars like Dylan Larkin and Moritz Seider, has been the talk of the NHL. Detroit is looking like a more competitive team this season, and the players are clearly enjoying the success they’ve found on the ice. But amidst the growing excitement, some of the Red Wings’ players have made comments that hint at underlying frustration or discontent with Lalonde’s coaching methods.
Lalonde, who took over as head coach in 2022, has faced mixed reviews throughout his tenure. While some acknowledge the improvements in the team’s performance, others have criticized his style, with some players offering subtle critiques following their latest string of victories.
The most recent example came after their 4-1 victory against the Florida Panthers, which marked the sixth win in a row for the Red Wings. During the post-game interviews, some players couldn’t help but address the dynamic between the team’s newfound success and their coach. Though they largely credited their win streak to individual effort and chemistry, there was an unmistakable undercurrent of sarcasm in their tone when mentioning Lalonde’s role in their success.
“I mean, it’s great that we’re on a roll,” said veteran defenseman Ben Chiarot. “We’re finding our rhythm, and everyone’s doing their part. I guess the coach is doing what he does, but it’s really just about us playing the game, you know?” Chiarot’s comments seemed innocuous at first glance, but when taken in context with his teammates’ remarks, they added fuel to the growing fire of speculation surrounding Lalonde’s relationship with his players.
Larkin, the Red Wings’ captain and star center, seemed a little more direct. “We’re just doing what we do. It’s all about making adjustments as a team. It’s not always easy to get the system right, but we’re playing our game, and that’s what matters.” Larkin’s comment, while diplomatic, was still a veiled acknowledgment of the team’s own efforts in spite of any tactical adjustments Lalonde might try to implement.
The head coach, known for his no-nonsense approach and commitment to a more structured defensive style, has struggled to get the balance between defense and offensive flow just right. Lalonde’s defensive-first approach has at times stifled the Red Wings’ offensive creativity, and many fans and pundits have questioned whether his style is best suited for the roster.
Despite his solid reputation as a coach in previous roles with the Tampa Bay Lightning, where he contributed to their success, Lalonde has faced challenges getting his team to fully buy into his system. This has led to a sense of disconnect, particularly with some of the players who are known for their offensive prowess. The team’s recent win streak has been attributed largely to players stepping up and embracing their roles, rather than being the result of any major coaching breakthrough.
One of the more intriguing comments came from the team’s rookie, Seider, who has been emerging as one of the Red Wings’ most talented and outspoken players. “We’re just playing hockey the way it should be played,” Seider said with a chuckle. “I mean, we have the skill, we have the guys, and it’s all about staying confident. We can still keep growing, no matter what the system is.” Seider’s comment seemed like a direct jab at the rigid structure that Lalonde often insists on.
The comments, although not overtly disrespectful, are revealing in their undertones. It appears that, while the players are enjoying their success, there’s a lingering sense that they are succeeding despite the system in place rather than because of it. This dynamic is not uncommon in sports, where players may clash with a coach’s philosophy, but it raises questions about the long-term viability of Lalonde’s approach with the Red Wings.
For now, the players are enjoying their hot streak, but it remains to be seen how long they can maintain this form under Lalonde’s leadership. If the Red Wings continue to win, any tension surrounding the coach-player relationship may be overlooked. However, if the team starts to hit a rough patch, it’s likely that the criticism of Lalonde’s coaching will grow louder.
While the Red Wings’ future looks promising, with a blend of young talent and experienced players, the relationship between the coach and the team remains a focal point. If Detroit’s players are truly finding success despite Lalonde’s system, the organization may need to evaluate whether the current coaching staff is the right fit to maximize the potential of their talented roster.
The success of the Red Wings is ultimately a reflection of the players’ growth, resilience, and ability to perform under pressure. But as they move forward, the question lingers: how long will this success last, and will it be enough to silence the growing whispers of discontent from within the locker room? The next few weeks will tell the tale, but for now, Detroit fans can relish in their team’s victories while keeping a close eye on the evolving dynamics behind the scenes.