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Todd McLellanâs blunt season-ending criticism highlights crucial off-season for Red Wings
TL;DR
Todd McLellan criticized the Detroit Red Wings after their 8-1 loss to the Florida Panthers, highlighting the team's disappointing season. The Red Wings failed to qualify for the playoffs, marking a 10-year post-season drought, the longest in the NHL.
Key points
- Todd McLellan criticized the Red Wings after an 8-1 loss
- The Red Wings failed to qualify for the playoffs
- Detroit's post-season drought extends to 10 years
- The team had 69 points in their first 53 games
- The Panthers showcased championship pedigree
Detroit Red WingsFlorida PanthersMontreal CanadiensBuffalo Sabres
Todd McLellanâs blunt season-ending criticism highlights crucial off-season for Red Wings originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Detroit Red Wings closed out a disappointing season on a sour note, and coach Todd McLellan made sure his frustration was heard.
Following a lopsided 8-1 loss to the Florida Panthers in the season finale, McLellan openly criticized his roster while pointing to the stark contrast between the two teams.
âIâll tell you that both teams came in with nothing on the line, and you can see their championship pedigree, so Iâm going to compliment the Panthers,â McLellan said post-game. âIt runs throughout the organization. They came to play, and it meant something to them.â
The defeat capped off a troubling collapse for Detroit after collecting 69 points through their first 53 games; the Red Wings failed to qualify for the playoffs. They became the first team to do so since the Montreal Canadiens during the 1969-1970 season. The skid extended Detroitâs post-season drought to 10 years, now the longest in the league, after the Buffalo Sabres snapped their lengthy drought with an Atlantic Division crown.
With pressure mounting from an increasingly impatient fan base, the organization now turns to what is shaping up to be a pivotal off-season. Several veteran players could be on their way out, including David Perron, James van Riemsdyk, and Travis Hamonic, all of whom are pending unrestricted free agents and not expected to return.
Q&A
What did Todd McLellan say about the Red Wings' performance?
Todd McLellan criticized his roster, emphasizing the difference in championship pedigree between the Red Wings and the Panthers.
How long has it been since the Red Wings qualified for the playoffs?
The Red Wings have not qualified for the playoffs for 10 years, making it the longest drought in the NHL.
What was the Red Wings' record before their season-ending loss?
Before their final game, the Red Wings had collected 69 points through their first 53 games.
Which team ended their playoff drought this season?
The Buffalo Sabres ended their playoff drought this season by winning the Atlantic Division crown.
