Detroit Red Wings

The Daily: Start of Playoffs Leaves Red Wings Maatta With Empty Feeling; Lalonde Heading to Worlds

Derek Lalonde to be part of Team USA staff at worlds

Published

1 year ago

April 18, 2023

Bob Duff

Red Wings defenseman Olli Maatta was admitting to an empty feeling as the Stanley Cup playoffs got underway,

As the Stanley Cup playoffs got underway on four fronts Monday night, Detroit Red Wings defenseman Olli Maatta was planning to watch the action unfold, albeit with an emptiness within his heart. For just the second time during his 10-season NHL career, Maatta’s team didn’t make the playoffs.

“It does feel a little empty, seeing guys leaving for home and the rink being empty,” Maatta said as the Red Wings were holding locker cleanout on Monday. “Playoffs are starting and it definitely feels like you want to be in there, you want to be playing in those games.”

A two-time Stanley Cup champion with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Maatta believes that the Wings aren’t far away from being back in the tournament for Lord Stanley’s mug.

“I think we can be that team,” Maatta said. “I truly believe that.”

Lalonde Added To USA Staff

As was reported previously by Detroit Hockey Now, Red Wings coach Derek Lalonde will be serving as an assistant coach on David Quinn’s Team USA staff at the upcoming world championship. USA Hockey made the official announcement late Monday.

Our assistant coaches & support staff have been named for the 2023 U.S. Men's National Team! #MensWorlds

“We’ve got a terrific staff overall. The group brings varied experiences which will all contribute to our ultimate goal of bringing home a gold medal.” – Chris Clark, GM

— USA Hockey (@usahockey) April 17, 2023

Lalonde has been involved with U.S. teams on the international stage on two other occasions, helping the U.S. Junior Select Team to championships in the World Junior A Challenge in 2013 as head coach and as assistant coach in 2012.

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

GM Steve Yzerman has the Red Wings marching in the right direction
Detroit forward Michael Rasmussen was discussing the leg injury that ended his season
Forward Carter Mazur is closer to playing for the Red Wings than you might think
Ben Simon is out as coach of the AHL Grand Rapids Griffins

Hockey Now Network

Boston: Minus captain Patrice Bergeron the Boston Bruins were opening the playoffs with a 3-1 win over the Florida Panthers.

Florida: A series of self-inflicted wounds helped derail the Florida Panthers in the Game 1 loss to the Bruins.

Pittsburgh: Looking at the salary cap situation for the Pittsburgh Penguins heading into the offseason.

Montreal: The Montreal Canadiens are intent on building a winner the right way.

Philadelphia: Coach John Tortorella is hopeful that some kids in the organization will step forward to claim spots with the Philadelphia Flyers next season.