Quote:
Originally Posted by RyZ
Yeah, because coaching is the problem in Florida. Go get em Panthers.
|
Until recently, ownership was the problem. They had a pretty low self-imposed cap and weren't committed to either winning or building a fan base. The Violas have previous experience with the Nets and are committed to spending to be competitive and getting out in the community. It's a big shift for the franchise.
Tallon had no choice but to do the best he could with what he was given, almost like Maloney in Phoenix. Their drafting has been pretty solid, but have lacked someone to get the prospects to the next level in the NHL. You really think coaching doesn't matter? Look at the guys they had coaching the last few years.
Kevin Dineen (crap coach that got lucky in his first year)
Peter DeBoer (I know he's in Jersey now, but I don't think he's that good)
Jacques Martin (not the worst coach, but he's better suited to upper management)
Rick Dudley/John Torchetti (crap)
Mike Keenan (ugh)
Duane Sutter (one of the lesser Sutters)
Terry Murray (Not bad, but definitely not top tier. Also, last coach to get them in the playoffs besides Dineen last year)
That's a decade's worth of average to awful coaching. How can anyone be expected to succeed in that environment?
Trust me, you get Trotz in Florida and in a weaker east they will be a playoff team.