Detroit Red Wings: Derek Lalonde’s 2022-23 Report Card
By Ben Heydt
Detroit Red Wings Derek Lalonde was never afraid to challenge things.
How about the challenge success rate? Most fans think of Derek Lalonde’s ejection from the game against Pittsburgh late into the season when his challenge for goaltender interference was not reversed, prompting him to irritate the referees by shouting expletives in their direction.
The hockey world overwhelmingly agreed that it was the wrong call. If it weren’t for the ejection and misconduct penalty given to the team, I would have given him more points for saying what all hockey fans are thinking; “what even is goalie interference?”.
This season Lalonde and the Detroit Red Wings had nine challenge wins and 11 challenge losses. That is not an impressive win rate.
2022-23 Final Grade: B-
It is extremely difficult to stamp a performance grade on someone after one season. Lalonde has undoubtedly improved the competition level and camaraderie within the locker room without having his own hand-picked staff or elite talent to work with.
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He has done nothing spectacular to think he can lead a mediocre roster to a deep playoff run. Still, he has set the foundation for a strong future with the team, and one would assume that he gained a lot of knowledge on how to be a head coach moving forward into the next season.