GM Yzerman Worries About Losing Culture Infecting Red Wings

Years ago, a GM relayed a very descriptive analogy of what it takes to turn a losing team into a winner.

He says losing clubs do nothing but eat crap all day long. To change things, it’s up to them to decide they’re done dining on crap.

Granted, he used a much more graphic descriptive than crap, but you get the picture.

After nine years without a playoff game, Detroit Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman admits he guards against such a malady infecting his hockey club. He worries about his team becoming too comfortable within their current environment.

“I guess I do, yeah,” Yzerman ackknowledged.

Steve Yzerman had a message for Red Wings fans:

"I'm very appreciative of their support, and very understanding of the demand and the want for success here." pic.twitter.com/qVxwhTOreS

— Brad Galli (@BradGalli) May 1, 2025

Could a losing culture be developing within the Red Wings?

At this stage, Yzerman doesn’t believe that to be the case.

Red Wings GM Doesn’t Sense Team Is Comfortable With Losing

“I look at last season and this season, although we didn’t make it, we’re fighting every night for a playoff spot,” Yzerman said. “Believe it or not, we are trying to win, our players are trying to win.”

At the same time, Stevie Y is willing to admit that trying isn’t a true measure of success.

“We need to be better,” the Detroit GM said. “I’m trying to give you a good answer. I’m not sure I can come up with one because it’s a very good question.

“But you know, it takes – you don’t want to hear it again. Here I go. And I said I wouldn’t, but it takes time and we’re trying to draft good young men who are talented young players that eventually become a very good team. I think we’re on the right path to that.”

McLellan Believes Red Wings Still Learning How To Win

While they may not be showing signs of entering a comfort zone regarding their losing ways. Detroit coach Todd McLellan notes another element of the equation that still isn’t adding up for the Red Wings. This team still needs to learn and embrace the recipe for success.

Todd McLellan, “It wasn’t about who wasn’t here, it’s about who was here…And we were good enough.” (to make the playoffs) pic.twitter.com/jz5NGyNTNF

— Jennifer Hammond (@HammerFox2) April 29, 2025

“We have to get that through to them that we’re playing to win,” McLellan said. “We’ve got to manage time, we’ve got to manage situations in the game. We’ve got to manage risk and reward.

“You’re down by two, you gotta play with a lot more risk. You’re up by two, you gotta minimize risk. And our group’s still learning all of that.”