from Ansar Khan of Mlive,
Here are some priorities for Lalonde:
1. Improve team defense
This is the biggest issue. A late-season collapse including multiple blowouts cost Jeff Blashill his job. Their 3.78 goals-against average ranked second from the bottom in the NHL and was their worst since 1989-90. It was due to a combination of poor defense and substandard goaltending.
Lalonde must instill a defensive mindset and implement a system where the team doesn’t allow as many scoring chances. Blashill tried, but it didn’t work. Personnel changes on the blue line will help, including adding 2021 No.