The Detroit Red Wings closed out 2024 with a bang!

Tune in as we open by discussing Todd McLellan's squads two wins to finish the year, starting with the victory over Alexander Ovechkin's Washington Capitals including goals from Alex DeBrincat, Patrick Kane, and Lucas Raymond (4:25), as well as their New Year's Eve win over sidney Crosby's Pittsburgh Penguins, including massive defensive plays from Moritz Seider and Simon Edvinsson, goals from Kane, Compher, as well as Dylan Larkin and Jonatan Berggren breaking their goal droughts (thanks to Raymond and Tarasenko), Alex Lyon's back to back wins, 1st line Joe Veleno, McLellan's 600th win as head coach, & more (11:15).

Next, we discuss whether Hockeytown's hot streak is just a new coach bump or if this is sustainable, and whether Steve Yzerman should have fired Derek Lalonde sooner (18:50) before updates on Detroit's previous free agent ventures in Steven Stamkos & others, as well as Ondrej Becher signing his ELC (27:10).

After that, a look at Red Wings prospects dominating the World Junior Championship, including Trey Augustine denying Canada, Axel Sandin Pellikka leading the Juniors in scoring, and Kiiskinen contributing for Finland, as well as a look on Canada's disastrous tournament so far (30:55).

Finally, NHL news including Zibanejad and the New York Rangers cratering (44:30) before we take your questions & comments in our Overtime segment (52:35) - enjoy!

Head over to wingedwheelpodcast.com to find all the ways to listen, how to support the show, and so much more!

WWP NIGHT w/ the DETROIT RED WINGS (Mar. 29th - barber pole jersey) tickets: wingedwheelpodcast.com/redwings

WWP NIGHT w/ the GRAND RAPIDS GRIFFINS (Jan. 18th - Griffins beanie) tickets: https://griffinshockey.com/wwp

Hot Stove Rounding the Bases: https://jamiedanielsfoundation.org/featured-event/hot-stove-stories-rounding-the-bases-with-mike-tirico/

Kiiskinen Article: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6026325/2024/12/31/red-wings-prospect-jesse-kiiskinen-finland/