Has the hot seat cooled for Detroit Red Wings head coach Jeff Blashill?

Much maligned, often criticized Detroit Red Wings bench boss Jeff Blashill has spearheaded an on-ice turn-around. He has his hockey club playing much better and with more consistency. With all he has dealt with Blashill has done an excellent job.

Has the seat cooled? When the season started, Jeff Blashill was listed as a coach who could be among the first to be fired in the NHL. Starting the season 0-7-2 did not help his cause. The recent play of the Detroit Red Wings has definitely cooled the fans screaming for change.

First off Blashill was supposed to be the developmental coach and one to help transition the rebuilding Wings into a younger more athletic team to regroup for another run at and in the playoffs. That is by and large precisely what he is. He seems to understand his roll in the organization.

Reviews have been mixed as some of the young Detroit Red Wings have had success, some have faltered. Which is not uncommon given the fact players learn at different rates. Still, media and fans want instant gratification. That is merely unrealistic expectations. To think every young player is going to hit stride at the same time is all but wishful thinking.

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Players like Dylan Larkin, Dennis Cholowski, Tyler Bertuzzi and others have taken steps forward and enough to cool down the hot seat their coach was enthroned upon. “60 minutes of hell.” If you remember, that is what Blashill said he wanted from his team. He is starting to see that happen more often.

10 fighting majors for the Red Wings show they will not be pushed around. Players are still learning to play for each other which appears to be happening more and more. There is still likely to be no playoffs for the Red Wings. But for the first time, Blashill is not the one responsible for the lack of postseason play. His team is gaining confidence with each game.

Jeff Blashill may or may not be behind the Detroit Red Wings bench a year or two from now. His contract is up at the end of the season, but, for now, his team has shown improvement. For now, he can be somewhat satisfied with the work he has done as he is beginning to see things coming together with his mix of youth and seasoned roster. Blashill’s once blazing hot seat has cooled down considerably.

That should help coaches and players focus on continuing to grind and find ways to stay in and win games. That is a positive step in the rebuilding process and a positive step for the organization.