March Sadness and Yzerman Extends JBD ft. Max Bultman - Mar. 25th, 2026

The Winged Wheel Podcast delivers a raw, emotionally charged episode following a devastating loss to the Ottawa Senators and the tragic passing of Jessie Pierce and her children. Hosts Brian Hanna, Brad Crisco, and Evan Lopsinger, joined by Max Bultman of The Athletic Detroit, dissect a disheartening 3-2 regulation defeat that exposed deep-seated issues in the Red Wings' mental toughness and resilience. Despite favorable circumstances—Ottawa missing key defensemen and playing a back-to-back—the Wings looked flat, lacked urgency, and failed to respond after a disallowed goal and early power-play deficit. The discussion centers on the team's recurring pattern of self-inflicted setbacks, the psychological toll of repeated playoff droughts, and the urgent need for a cultural shift. The episode also covers the controversial timing of Jacob Bernard Docker's two-year, $1.6 million extension, which is seen as low-risk depth insurance while Axel Sandin-Pellican is sent back to Grand Rapids to develop. The hosts express frustration with the team’s inability to translate effort into results, especially in high-leverage moments, and emphasize that the path to the playoffs remains mathematically viable but requires a fundamental change in approach. The emotional weight of the episode is underscored by the somber tribute to Jessie Pierce and the team’s palpable frustration in the locker room. Key takeaways include: the Red Wings must overcome mental paralysis and play with urgency, especially in high-pressure moments; the team’s reliance on star players like Dylan Larkin is a double-edged sword that can’t be an excuse for underperformance; the JBD extension is a smart, low-risk move that provides depth flexibility; Sandin-Pellican’s demotion is a necessary developmental step despite fan sentiment; and the team’s playoff hopes are still alive but require a complete transformation in effort and execution. The episode ends with a mix of dark humor and genuine concern, as the hosts debate whether the Red Wings are capable of rising to the moment or if they’re destined to repeat the same cycle.