There’s really no reason for delaying the inevitable. Detroit Red Wings head coach Jeff Blashill won’t be the man to lead the team back to the Stanley Cup Playoffs. That much is clear after yet another subpar performance in which his team surrenders an average of five goals against in the last two months which has all but officially knocked the team out of the postseason race.
And while GM Steve Yzerman has indicated that he’s not going to discuss coaching at this time, there’s no denying that he’s well aware of the frustrated fan base – many of whom were even calling for Blashill’s job during last night’s 5-2 setback against the Ottawa Senators.
The crowd started a fire Blashill chant… pic.twitter.com/VlccKwP2Np
— Paige ♡ (@hockeysister_) April 2, 2022
Let’s take a look at the five reasons why Blashill needs to be relieved of his position
1. The team has a complete and total lack of identity.
Despite the fact that Detroit wasn’t pegged as a playoff team entering the season, they gave their opponents more than they could handle early on. As we saw during the first few months of the season, they kept things close. There were even more than a few thrilling victories. All of that has changed in the last several weeks.
2. The complete and inexplicable ability to keep the puck out of their own net.
An astounding disturbing trend that hasn’t been fixed, while they continue to be the embarrassment of the NHL. As of Friday, the team allowed an average 3.82 goals per game, good for tying the worst mark not seen since the expansion 1999-2000 Atlanta Thrashers.
3. Terrible game management
When the team has enjoyed the rare lead in the 3rd period, their system has simply been to collapse into a shell and hope that their opponent won’t find the scoresheet. Too often, that’s been the case. The complete inability to close out games this season and in years past has been maddening
4. Losing culture
A losing culture is terrible for the development of players like rookies Moritz Seider and Lucas Raymond, as well as established forwards like Dylan Larkin and Tyler Bertuzzi, who will once again be watching the Stanley Cup Playoffs from home rather than participating. It can’t be allowed to fester.
5. Special teams
Special teams are beyond abysmal. Currently ranked with the dead last penalty kill percentage in the NHL along with the 27th ranked powerplay, there’s no NHL team that can expect to win consistently if their special teams aren’t performing up to par.
Will Steve Yzerman’s hand be forced at the end of this season?
Keep your eyes these goaltenders to pick up in the final weeks in the fantasy regular season!
