The Panthers are 1-6-4 in 11 games so far and haven't won in the last seven. They are also among the bottom feeders in the league in both scoring and being scored on. The fact of the matter is, Tallon had about enough and could do no more thinking on the subject. It was time for him to act and a change was necessary. Peter Horachek was named the new interim coach as Dale begins the long process of trying to find a replacement for Dineen. Brian Skrudland and John Madden were brought in as assistants.
I'm not convinced that their issues can all be blamed on the coaching staff though. Florida's players haven't helped the cause of the team and key guys just aren't performing as they should. Tallon even said, "It's easier to fire a coach than to fire 23 players." This is a very true statement and Tallon is no-nonsense when it comes to effort. If he sees you aren't giving it night in and night out, he will send you packing and find someone that will. He has a history of it and he will do it no matter where he goes.
So what does everyone think on this? Are the players to blame? Management? The city? Is Florida big enough to support two teams? Is it time to for the Quebec City Panthers? Leave a comment.
I don't follow the NHL much since the lost season, but I'll weigh in and say that the league should admit that it's a regional league and as soon as leases, contracts and other obligations allow, the league should pull out of Miami and Phoenix, plus maybe Columbus... But I think it's hard to pass sentence on Columbus when the Jackets haven't given fans reason to come out.
ReplyDeleteHard to say Columbus is a team to fold but I don't necessarily disagree with the other two.
DeleteI think there is lots of international talent in the NHL, but too many teams - and not enough in Canada. Love the Atlanta to Winnipeg move. Nashville, Miami or Dallas should go to Quebec.
ReplyDeleteNashville won't go anywhere. They have traditionally had great attendance (even though reports say it has been heavily over-exaggerated by comp tickets). Their attendance only shrunk this past season because a) they stunk because of injuries and b) they stunk because of injuries. I don't see Dallas moving either. To much tradition in that franchise I think.
DeleteBettman the Idiot doesn't have the hard on about Florida that he did about Phoenix, so a move may be in the near future. Also, being in the East, it would be a lot easier move logistically.
ReplyDeleteHowever.....
Owners and teams wouldn't like having to make that long road down south for just one team. Atlanta is gone, and if Florida leaves.... it becomes a travel nightmare for road trips just to play Tampa.
The travel thing has been an area of concern for many teams. It's come up in league meetings multiple times.
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