Detroit Destroyed in Season Finale, McLellan Seething (and NHL Playoffs Preview) - Apr. 16th, 2026

The Detroit Red Wings capped off their season in the most fitting way possible: painfully. This podcast covers the Lightning and Panthers vs. Red Wings game recaps, & analysis of just why Todd McLellan's squad squandered their season in devastating fashion. (00:00) - Intro & Mickey Redmond's Broken Remotes Laughing through the pain as Ken Daniels and Mickey Redmond perfectly illustrated all of our reactions to Hockeytown's meltdown. (05:40) - Red Wings vs. Panthers and Lightning Game Recaps A Larkin-less Red Wings team is thoroughly embarrassed by a depleted Panthers squad. Even Patrick Kane's 1400th point and Alex DeBrincat's 41 goals aren't enough for a silver lining. (12:45) - A Pathetic End for Detroit & Todd McLellan's Reaction Moritz Seider has a Norris Trophy-worthy season. John Gibson had an outstanding stretch. Dylan Larkin scored a career high in goals and Lucas Raymond produced even through injury. So how did Detroit finish the season in the most pathetic manner possible? (27:15) - Will Yzerman Keep McLellan On? Will Todd McLellan stay on as head coach this offseason, or will Steve Yzerman believe he's burned his connection to the room? What players have to go and what moves need to be made by the Red Wings front office to turn things around? (37:35) Offseason Trade Targets & Season Stats That Sting Elias Pettersson, Mason McTavish, Alexis Lafreniere, Kent Johnson - swing-for-the-fences names Steve Yzerman has to consider. Plus why the forward group is a bigger priority than the blue line. (50:40) NHL News & Playoff Matchups Set - Predictions Auston Matthews being non-committal in Toronto, the Leafs' AI trade proposal saga, and Rick Bowness getting an extension. The Eastern Conference bracket is locked in and a 7 vs. 8 first-round matchup exists because the NHL refuses to re-seed. Ottawa crossing over into the Metro. Sabres-Bruins, Lightning-Canadiens, Hurricanes-Senators, Penguins-Flyers - picks and upset calls for every series. Stars-Wild hinges on Roope Hintz & Miro Heiskanen's health, Golden Knights-Mammoth, and whether LA can give Anze Kopitar one last run. (1:12:20) Overtime: Patron Questions McLellan's influence on roster decisions, Zach Werenski pipe dreams, the Patrick Kane top-six debate, Carter Mazer's 2026 role, and what we actually want to hear from Yzerman's end-of-season presser. --- This episode is brought to you by Hims. Visit hims.com/wingedwheel for your personalized hair loss treatment options. This episode is sponsored by ExpressVPN: go to ExpressVPN.com/wingedwheel to get 4 extra months FREE! Support the show: Patreon.com/WingedWheelPodcast Head over to wingedwheelpodcast.com to find all the ways to listen, how to support the show, and so much more!