[wingmaker]

And, if they did fire Hartley and brought in someone else, and it didn't go well, then where are you? Everyone in the hockey world was gushing over the hiring of Eakins by Edmonton, but it hasn't gone well. Now all the stories are about having four coaches in five years, and firing Eakins becomes problematic because you have to bring in ANOTHER new coach. Heaven forbid they fire Hartley and his replacement doesn't improve things. Then how long does he last before you bring in someone else? I would argue that in the position the flames are in, it isn't about having the best coach in the world, it's about a consistent message and a stable atmosphere as the team finds itself.

Many posters wanted to fire Ward at the end of last season because apparently he was stunting young players development, too. Well right now the Heat are the best team in the AHL with a very young team. Maybe he isn't all that terrible after all.