Being a head coach in the NHL does not come with a lot of job security. Even the greatest coaches can get ousted at the drop of a hat. We saw an example of this today as the Bruins fired head coach Jim Montgomery.
Montgomery was fired despite being one of the best coaches in team history based on points percentage. In fact, during his 2-and-a-half-year tenure with the team, no other NHL club put up more wins or a higher points percentage.
As such, things are suddenly looking quite dire for Detroit Red Wings bench boss Derek Lalonde. Montgomery was let go after an 8-9-3 start. Detroit currently has the even worse record at 7-9-2 and is tied for last in the Atlantic Division.
Understandably, Red Wings fans are not happy with their team or the head coach. It feels like the club hit rock bottom last night when they lost to the San Jose Sharks, giving them just their 6th win of the year.
The Sharks, who finished dead last in the 2023-24 season, now have just as many points as Detroit. Speculation is now running wild as to when Lalonde will be fired and who will replace him. Former NHL forward Matt Murley believes it should be none other than Sergei Fedorov.
Reportedly, the Red Wings legend was spotted in Detroit today, which could be an indication that he is looking into a position with the team.
The Hockey Hall of Fame forward has experience as a head coach in the KHL and is still a fan favorite in Detroit. If nothing else, it would give fans a reason to come to the arena, but hopefully, he would get the team winning again.
POLL | ||
Do you think Steve Yzerman and the Detroit Red Wings will fire head coach Derek Lalonde this season? | ||
Yes | 86 | 87.8 % |
No | 12 | 12.2 % |
List of polls |