From TSN:

Sources tell TSN the Carolina Hurricanes have fired head coach Peter Laviolette and in a unique about face, have replaced him with former Hurricanes head coach Paul Maurice.

Read the entire article here.

Not overly surprising that the Hurricanes let Laviolette go, considering his job was said to be in jeopardy over the summer.  It appears the Canes gave him the first quarter of the season to prove he deserved to belong and he must not have made the grade.  That said, I’m not sure how good the Hurricanes are anyways.  Laviollete obviously didn’t get the most out of Eric Staal this season but this team isn’t as talented as past Hurricanes teams; plus, the team have been without Justin Williams the whole season.  Overall, Laviollete did a terrific job during his tenure as coach of Carolina (Stanley Cup Championship in 2006) and I’d say this firing has more to do with the players hearing the same voice and message over and over again that it does his actual coaching abilities.  He won’t be out of a job for long.

As for Maurice, this is clearly a situation where Jim Rutherford is comfortable with the new coach and knows what he brings to the table.  With this being an in-season move, it gives Rutherford a better idea of what to expect from his coaching staff and allows him to set certain expectations for his club the rest of the way.  Is Maurice the savior? I don’t think so.  He is a solid coach but the Hurricanes don’t have the horses to contend this year.

At least we can’t say the NHL is boring!

AddThis Website Tools
Richard Pollock

Share
Published by
Richard Pollock

Recent Posts

Winnipeg Jets Morning PapersWinnipeg Jets Morning Papers

Winnipeg Jets Morning Papers

Keeping you up-to-date with all the latest pro hockey news in Manitoba.

59 minutes ago
Winnipeg Jets Connor Hellebuyck and Kyle Connor named to NHL First All-Star TeamWinnipeg Jets Connor Hellebuyck and Kyle Connor named to NHL First All-Star Team

Winnipeg Jets Connor Hellebuyck and Kyle Connor named to NHL First All-Star Team

The Michigan duo get recognized for their excellent seasons.

16 hours ago

NHL | Presenting Winnipeg Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck with his Vezina and Hart trophies

A nice surprise for the Jets top netminder after a day on the lake.

21 hours ago

NHL Tonight | Discussing Connor Hellebuyck winning the Vezina and Hart Trophy

Former NHL goalie Cory Schneider as well as former NHLers Mike Johnson and Mike Rupp…

22 hours ago

Winnipeg Jets Morning Papers

Keeping you up-to-date with all the latest pro hockey news in Manitoba.

1 day ago