Quote:
Originally Posted by transplant99
Even if he was fired today...tell me what difference you believe it would make when he will still have the same collection of soft and never ready to start a game players?
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Not taking issue with anything else in your post but only addressing this part...a mid season coach firing (perhaps even especially one that is not entirely deserved) can send a shockwave through a dressing room. Players who don't want to find themselves shipped out or sent to the minors or just benched or given less minutes going forward are suddenly reminded what happens when results are not delivered in the business of NHL hockey.
Unless you believe the players are inherently soft and actually incapable of getting ready to play games then it is a motivational / mental issue. Firing coaches is not a magical sure-fire technique to jolt players out of underperforming complacency...but it CAN work.
There is risk / reward in anything...including just staying the course. I have no idea what has the best chance of making a difference long term, but a mid-season coach firing is not an unreasonable option to have on the table.