Steve Yzerman publicly shows frustration as he introduced the new Red Wings head coach

The Detroit Red Wings have fired head coach Derek Lalonde and replaced him with Todd McLellan as the team struggles through another disappointing season.

The move was made with the Wings on a three-game losing streak in which they had dropped nine of their last 12 games. As of today, Detroit sits seventh in the Atlantic Division with 30 points, eight behind Ottawa for the second wild-card spot.

General manager Steve Yzerman met with the media Friday morning to discuss the coaching change, saying his preseason expectation was that this team should have been a wild-card contender.

He expressed the need to improve performances quickly but became more and more animated fielding questions about possible trades and roster moves, at one point lashing back with a few sharp words at reporters.

Todd McLellan, a veteran NHL coach, signed a multiyear deal, his fourth head-coaching stint after successful runs with the San Jose Sharks, Edmonton Oilers, and Los Angeles Kings.

McLellan has a career record of 598-412-134 and made nine playoff appearances, most recently leading the Sharks to the Western Conference Finals in both 2010 and 2011.

Detroit hopes McLellan can help guide the team back to playoff relevance. If the Red Wings do not reverse their poor start to the season, then fans and media can prepare for some more prickly barbs from its outspoken general manager.