Most coaching changes have worked this season
Canadiens fans can find comfort in how other bench moves have played out
 Paul Chiasson / AP Montreal beat Edmonton in overtime Tuesday in its first game under general manager — and now also coach — Bob Gainey, who fired Guy Carbonneau the day before. |
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Guy Carbonneau, struggling to keep his Canadiens on track for a playoff berth, became the seventh NHL coach to get fired in the 2008-09 season. Like the six earlier firings, this is a quick fix, easier than trying to rebuild a roster during the season. But does this strategy work? If the other six firings are any indication, expect improvement in Montreal with general manager Bob Gainey behind the bench.
Chicago Blackhawks
The firing: G.M. Dale Tallon fired coach Denis Savard after just four games. The Blackhawks entered the season with lots of media hype and started 1-2-1.
The result: Joel Quenneville is 35-17-8 since taking over for Savard — a move that has paid off big for Tallon and the Blackhawks. The veteran coach has been a perfect fit for a young team and Chicago is poised to make the playoffs for the first time since 2002.
Tampa Bay Lightning
The firing: In the first year of a three-year contract, ESPN personality and hockey analyst Barry Melrose was canned after starting the season 5-7-4.
The result: Associate coach Rick Tocchet has gone 16-25-9 since replacing Melrose. The Lightning aren't significantly better, but word out of Tampa is that Tocchet is negotiating an extension and removal of his interim tag.
Ottawa Senators
The firing: Craig Hartsburg was hired and fired in the same season after a team loaded with offensive talent dropped to the bottom of the league in scoring.
The result: Ottawa won't make the playoffs, but the Senators have shown more life under former AHL coach Cory Clouston (8-5-3). It's possible Ottawa will target a more experienced coach this summer.
New York Rangers
The firing: Looking for more fire and leadership, G.M. Glen Sather fired Tom Renney, who had guided the Rangers into the second round of the past two postseasons.
The result: It's early, but things have looked good under John Tortorella. The Rangers earned points in four of his first five games. New York, though, lost to the Carolina Hurricanes on Monday to end a three-game winning streak.
Pittsburgh Penguins
The firing: Just last spring, Michel Therrien was being lauded for guiding the Penguins to the Stanley Cup finals. He was rewarded with a three-year contract extension over the summer but was fired when the lifeless Penguins dropped to 10th in the Eastern Conference.
The result: The Penguins, one of the hottest teams in the NHL under former AHL coach Dan Bylsma, just completed a five-game road sweep. Bylsma is 8-1-1 as interim coach.
Carolina Hurricanes
The firing: Less than three years after guiding the Hurricanes to a Stanley Cup championship, coach Peter Laviolette was fired and replaced by former Carolina and Toronto coach Paul Maurice.
The result: Under Maurice (23-16-3), the Hurricanes have fought through inconsistencies and are playing better. They added Erik Cole at the trade deadline and have a four-game winning streak after beating the Rangers on Monday. They appear poised to return to the playoffs for the first time since winning the Cup.
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