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I’m going to forego the normal style and just be as frank as possible. Some of you have noticed that the tone of the blog has been a bit more harsh. At the quarter point in the season, the team has the worst PK in the league, they let in just over one power play goal per game, and it feels like the front office isn’t doing anything to address any of it.
The rebuild took a huge step backward defensively. It’s understandable that it can happen, but when the GM, head coach and even players all talked about a focus on letting in fewer pucks and stronger defensive play as the goal of the summer this is an epic fail. When Montgomery was let go in Boston, after the Blues hired him, rumors leaked that St. Louis wasn’t even looking to change coaches until his release.
There’s more to the frustration. All of you have seen changes to the blogosphere and have seen good people step aside. Even just as a 2nd or 3rd tier blogger, it’s hard not to let that creep in. I don’t normally ask for things like this, but if you can
subscribe to my new Youtube channel. There was a realization that having a conversation with someone helps to sort through the chaos. You can follow my “X” account with the link above. I will go on loving the greatest sport on earth even if things go sideways.
For the game, a quick reminder of what taking Zadina (now playing in Europe) over Hughes, I believe we took Svechnikov over Boesser, etc. the ironic twist is going from a team that couldn’t get a first round pick (apart from Larkin) to be a top contributor to a team that hasn’t done much outside of the first round. After 2 hours of going through every pick since 2019 the other night there will be some thoughts about some nice surprises in the pipeline.
Detroit played a pretty good first period. Then the sheets were soiled on consecutive power play goals at the beginning of the second by Vancouver. Debrusk scored 3, and three of Detroit players scored just their 4th goal of the season. It’s pathetic, and LaLonde’s pressers are a horrible watch. He can’t steer this ship. Very few could with the missing pieces. Still, it’s time for a change at the helm of the ship.
There was ample time over the past 2 weeks to even just move an assistant out as a warning shot. It wasn’t done. This isn’t even about playoffs, it’s about ownership and management noticing some glaring issues and showing that they care enough to make some in season changes
Let me know your thoughts. It’s fine to disagree, but dead last in any category is not good. The PK and defense need some sort of structure that can help the limited roster. The standard trapezoid on the penalty kill can’t even be adhered to right now. The team overloads on one side and can’t clear the puck.
Whatever tomorrow brings, it’s ok to demand more out of ownership and the front office. Even the Fan Duel crew is starting to struggle on how to spin what the on ice effort looks like. If there’s not a hint of a change in the next 24 - 48 hours (i.e. discussions, potential trade scenarios being “leaked”) it will feel like a slap in the face to a fan base that showed up and bought up all the season tix. That deserves some sort of respect and response.
Detroit Red Wings Blogger • 
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