Steve Yzerman Under the Microscope Amid Questions About Red Wings’ Playoff Drought
Now that the NHL trade deadline has come and gone, Detroit Red Wings General Manager Steve Yzerman is under the microscope. As the Red Wings fight to clinch a wild-card spot in this year’s playoffs, questions remain about the franchise’s longstanding playoff drought and whether Yzerman can do anything to end it.
Writing for the Octopus Thrower, Todd Matthews believes that while Yzerman could have done more during the trade deadline week of March 3, his team is nonetheless in the running for the playoffs for the second straight year.
“As for whether Yzerman loses his job after another near-idle trade deadline should the Wings miss the playoffs likely comes down to how much more patience this organization will have,” Matthews said.
If the Red Wings make the playoffs, Yzerman could be secure in his future employment prospects with the franchise. If the team misses the playoffs, the question remains about whether the organization should keep him.
“Should the Wings barely miss the postseason as they did last year, it wouldn’t surprise me to see Yzerman back in Year 7,” Matthews added. “But if he can’t make the playoffs in seven seasons, then it’s time to move on. If you can’t make the playoffs in just under three-quarters of the decade, why keep faith in you, regardless of how much better off the team is.”
After dropping a sixth consecutive loss to the Ottawa Senators on Monday, March 10, the Red Wings hope to secure a win on Wednesday, March 12, when the Buffalo Sabres visit Detroit for the teams’ final match this season. According to the Detroit Free Press, only 18 games remain in the regular season, and the Red Wings will need to improve their performance if they want to claim a spot in the playoffs.
