Hopefully, your emotions (and eyes) have settled if you watched the entire game against Pittsburgh last night. What an absolute toilet show.

The Detroit Red Wings continue to display their lack of killer instinct in must-win games. It’s almost like they’re fully content with letting March get the best of them. What the hell, guys? Do you even enjoy playing this wonderful sport? You’re staring at the longest streak of playoff-less seasons in the league, and you just…keep laying eggs? Shame.

I’m out of words for it, honestly. At this point, it’s very clear that this isn’t a coaching or talent issue. No, there is a full-blown culture crisis in the Red Wings locker room. Todd McLellan is trying. I mean, how many times does the guy have to put his players on blast? Whether it’s calling some guys “just jerseys,” claiming that players are “letting off the gas” because their captain is back from an injury, or saying that he doesn’t know why he needs to extract competitiveness out of his guys, it’s just so very clear at this point that this goes beyond what a coach can change.

No, this is a front office and on-ice personnel issue. How do you fix it? I don’t know. Do you have to get rid of some players? Probably. Does there need to be a change in the front office? Possibly. All options should be on the table. I’ve seen rumors about a possibility of Steve Yzerman moving “up” in the front office, making way for a new GM. I don’t hate the concept, but I certainly don’t have a ton of trust that they will bring in the right person for the job. If you’ve read WIIM long enough, you know that I’m a little sour on the idea of filling the front office with franchise legends. The novelty has worn off. I don’t need it any longer. If there is to be a shakeup in the front office, I want people from outside the organization. Fresh opinions that can help steer this ship out of the shit-storm they find themselves in. Having said that, I still don’t actually think Yzerman’s current position is in jeopardy, but the seat is hot.

I’m probably overreacting a little. There’s still hope (I think?), but you’d need a magnifying glass to find it. /rant

So, I gotta ask. How do you feel about this? Obviously pretty bad, right? No one has the perfect answer, but I am curious.. How would you fix [gestures widely at the Winged Wheel]?

In other news…

Wings Sign Top NCAA Goalie Prospect

Hey, a little good news! Trey Augustine has inked his three-year entry-level contract with Detroit. He will report to Grand Rapids on an ATO for the rest of the season. Sucks that Augustine’s college career ended with another disappointing exit from the NCAA DI Men’s Hockey Tournament. The South Lyon native is onto bigger things now.

Ovechkin Continues to Make History

Not Red Wings related, but Alex Ovechkin has officially reached the 30-goal mark for his 20th season. Insane numbers, man. Truly one of the best to ever do it.

Up Next for the Red Wings…

@ Flyers – Wednesday, April 2
@ Rangers – Saturday, April 4
vs. Wild – Sunday, April 5
vs. Blue Jackets – Tuesday, April 7