"6 former Rangers they choking" "Playoffs 100% guaranteed": NHL fans react to Detroit Red Wings' projected lineup for upcoming season

Last season, the Detroit Red Wings seemed to be making a strong push toward the Stanley Cup Playoffs. However, the team struggled late in the season and missed the playoffs in a disappointing fashion. It extended the playoff drought in Detroit, which has seen the team miss the postseason for eight straight years.

The Red Wings have since made some big moves to bolster their roster, making some off-season acquisitions while retaining key players. The team re-signed three-time Stanley Cup champion and 2013 Conn Smythe winner Patrick Kane to a one-year deal.

In addition, the team also notably acquired Vladimir Tarasenko on a two-year deal that will help bolster their forward unit with Alex DeBrincat, who signed a four-year extension in 2023.

Given that they narrowly missed the Stanley Cup Playoffs last year and made some solid moves so far this offseason, there seems to be optimism surrounding the team. In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, the NHL asked fans how they believe the new-look Detroit Red Wings will fair next season.

Many fans had mixed reactions.

"Playoffs 100% guaranteed," a fan wrote.

"6 former Rangers they choking," another added.

Others explained that the team's current lines feature strong forwards, but the defensive lines need work.

"Defense and goaltending is cheeks so doubtful but they have an outside chance," a fan wrote.

"With that defence? Not likely," a fan said.

"No, but getting closer," another added.

Some fans expressed optimism.

"I love that top line ngl," one wrote.

"I sure hope so. Spring time in Detroit hasn’t been the same without any Red Wings playoff games," one added.

Looking at the season ahead for the Detroit Red Wings, is coach Derek Lalonde on the hot seat?

Last season marked the second time the Detroit Red Wings missed the postseason under coach Derek Lalonde. While Lalonde has only been behind the Red Wings bench for two years now, given that the team fell out of postseason contention late in the season, many were disappointed.

Following the end of the 2023-24 season, the Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman spoke with media members to reflect on the season and discuss the offseason ahead. Some questions centered around Lalonde and his future with the club.

While the Red Wings failed to make the Stanley Cup Playoffs, Yzerman made it clear that he doesn't consider Lalonde to be in the hot seat.

"Obviously we weren't perfect, but the most important thing I feel from my vantage point is that our players are motivated, our players are determined, there's a good atmosphere within the locker room, and part of that is the coaching staff helps foster that or create that," Yzerman said in April (h/t The Hockey News).

"So overall, I'm happy with the direction we're going, the coaching we have."

Despite that, with a record of 76-69-19 as coach of the Detroit Red Wings, if the team fails to make the playoffs again, Lalonde could find himself on the hot seat late in the season.