"Yzerman built a terrible team" "This had to happen": NHL fans left debating as Red Wings fire HC Derek Lalonde after disappointing 13-17-4 start

NHL fans were surprised when the Detroit Red Wings fired Derek Lalonde after a 13-17-4 start to the season. On Thursday, the team’s official X account shared a statement from executive vice president and general manager Steve Yzerman. The statement announced that Todd McLellan was hired as the new coach on a multi-year contract. Trent Yawney was also hired as an assistant coach.

"Head Coach Derek Lalonde and associate coach Bob Boughner have been relieved of their coaching duties, effective immediately," the statement read.

Fans quickly shared their reactions to the news.

“Yzerman built a terrible team, changing coach isn’t going to fix that,” one fan wrote.

“This had to happen. Now let’s try to salvage something out of this mess of a season,” another fan said.

"Welcome to Hockeytown Coach Todd and Coach Trent. Let's get to work 👍🏻," a fan said.

The firing of Lalonde has left fans wondering if the coaching change will make a difference or if bigger roster issues need to be addressed. Here are some more reactions from fans on X.

"It’s a Christmas miracle," a fan said.

"All of us wings fans wanted this. Thank you Yzerman," another fan said.

"No, this will not magically fix this team. Yes, Yzerman is to blame as well for the failure this season. No, I don’t think Yzerman should be fired. Lalonde was not the sole issue this year but the effort levels this team put out falls directly on him and the coaches," a fan wrote.

Time will tell if McLellan can turn the team’s season around.

Detroit Red Wings' difficult season provoked Derek Lalonde's firing

The Detroit Red Wings are having a tough season as they are seventh in the Atlantic Division with 17 losses, including four in overtime. Their defense and goaltending are weak, allowing 3.27 goals per game. Their power play is decent at 22.4%, but their penalty kill is the worst in the league at 68.8%.

Lucas Raymond leads the team with 33 points, including 13 goals and 20 assists. The Red Wings missed the playoffs last season and the start to this campaign has been disappointing.

The team fired Derek Lalonde after three seasons and hired Todd McLellan, the former coach of the LA Kings. The Red Wings hope McLellan can help improve their overall performance and lead them to better results.