The position of an NHL head coach is a very difficult one. Often the coach becomes the scapegoat and is susceptible to the finger-pointing that comes with a team’s poor play or undesirable results. During the 2022 off-season, ten new head coaches were hired. One month into the season has provided a small sample of how each franchise has responded to their new bench boss.<\/p>\n
On June 30, the Detroit Red Wings<\/a> announced\u00a0they had hired Derek Lalonde as the Original Six franchise’s 28th head coach. This is the first NHL head coach position for Lalonde, who previously served as assistant coach to Jon Cooper for the Tampa Bay Lightning<\/a>. “I’m very pleased to announce Derek as our new head coach; we feel he is ready to take the next step in his career as the head coach of the Detroit Red Wings.” Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman<\/a> said<\/a> when discussing the hiring.<\/p>\n The Red Wings have taken a jump ahead as the “Yzerplan” continues to unfold. Under Lalonde’s direction, the club has a record of 6-3-2\u00a0 and currently sits third in the Atlantic Division. Following some down years, it seems as if the Red Wings are making the jump to contend for a possible post-season appearance. The Red Wings penalty kill ranks ninth with an 82.4% success rate. The powerplay has room for growth, currently sitting 19th converting on 20% of their opportunities. Detroit had many roster changes over the summer, and they are paying off early. New addition Dominik Kubalik<\/a> has enjoyed success early under the new coach, posting 12 points in 10 games. Goalie Ville Husso<\/a> has played a large part in Detroit’s early success posting a sparkling .943 SV%.<\/p>\n Overall the Red Wings have responded nicely to the hiring of Lalonde. Look for Detroit to be on the bubble of playoff contention as the season wears on.<\/p>\nHow the Red Wings Have Started the Season<\/h4>\n