[CanuckJohnny]

Detroit coach Reirden under fire early in tenure




November 24th, 2018 -

Todd Reirden was optimistic when taking over the Red Wings this offseason. Despite being fired only 51 games into his head coaching career by the Flyers he was brimming with confidence and looking forward to working with Detroit's eclectic roster of youth and veterans. A team led by Dylan Larkin up front and back stopped by rising star Petr Mrazek looked to have legitimate potential but almost two months in the Red Wings have a losing record at 8-13-1 and veteran goaltender Jimmy Howard has been vocal about his frustrations and limited starts. Reirden finds himself in the unenviable position of being in the hotseat yet again in his first year on the job. He needs some patience from ownership and management on this one. Although the passionate hockey fans in Detroit may be pointing fingers already and looking for who to blame, it's unfair to pin this one on Reirden who is working with a roster that is exciting but also deficient.

Detroit failed to build a strong blueline in the offseason and it's difficult to succeed in this league without a solid top four on defense. The Red Wings are in the basement of the Atlantic primarily due to a weak defense corps that is being led by 21 year Brennan Menell (5 goals and 9 points but -13) and 36 year old Andy Greene (a respectable -6 on a poor team). Detroit's blueline may have help on the way eventually as teenagers Mikey Anderson and K'Andre Miller are showing promise in the system and 20 year old Scott Perunovich gets his first taste of NHL action but will Reirden get enough leash to be around when they do? Veteran GM Ken Holland ought to have the experience and wisdom to be patient with his young coach while he works to augment his roster.