Panda Bear
Registered User
- Apr 2, 2010
- 6,604
- 5,746
If you're asking why people are championing Ference's words, then it's because they believe that Hall had a massive negative influence on the club.I don't doubt that Hall wasn't the best teammate.
But when Ference doesn't even hold himself accountable, why should we champion this guy when he was a complete dud from the get-go?
If you're asking that question to me specifically, then no, we shouldn't champion Ference nor should we be defending Hall. I would blame the organization for indirectly creating a negative locker room environment.
In all likelihood, Hall was an asshole and ringleader of the young group that disrupted the locker room while Ference and the older crowd weren't talented enough to command their respect. Hall and co. probably felt like management failed them in their 12-13 playoff push and were pissed off that Krueger got fired. Eakins and Ference came in with a "my way or the highway" approach, which would be frustrating for someone if they feel like the problems were otherwise, and quit on them once results went sour. Eakins and Ference probably felt like Hall and co were unprofessional and unwilling to listen. Eakins was not skilled enough with people to make the locker room harmonious, and he wasn't good enough as a coach to command everyone's respect. Eventually, everyone checked out into their own cliques (if they were even lucky enough to have one).
Firing Renney was a big blunder, and firing Krueger was a massive one. Getting rid of Horcoff, who connected with everyone in the locker room, was a mistake too even though we, the fans, all wanted rid of him as a player.
So if you're asking me, then I would say Tambellini fired the first shot in ruining the team dynamic and MacTavish fired the next five.