Penguins fire Mike Johnston, Mike Sullivan named new head coach
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For all those bringing up Kessel (jokingly or not) this firing was due well before Kessel came along. The Pens offense has been putrid since the beginning of 2015.
D0ctorCool
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KGL
Auston 3:16
- Sep 5, 2014
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Nithoniniel
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Good for Pens. I haven't seen a team this year that screams "bad coaching" as much as they have.
Edit: Just to clarify, I mean on the ice. Felt like 5 guys on separate islands, each trying to figure out what there job is instead of working as a cohesive unit. Don't want anyone to think it was directed to the fanbase or something.
Edit: Just to clarify, I mean on the ice. Felt like 5 guys on separate islands, each trying to figure out what there job is instead of working as a cohesive unit. Don't want anyone to think it was directed to the fanbase or something.
rajuabju
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ottawa
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Big McLargehuge
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If you think that Phil Kessel is the reason that Mike Johnston just got fired I have a bridge to sell you in Arizona.
hockeykicker
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- Dec 3, 2014
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radapex
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From my perspective, this was never truly going to work from the start - and not because I don't think Johnston is capable of coaching at the NHL level. Prior to being hired in Pittsburgh, Johnston spent 6 years as head coach and GM of the Portland Winterhawks. He's used to running a team his way, and his way only. He was always destined to butt heads with Rutherford, and that's ultimately what led to this point - Rutherford wanted him playing the young guys (Sprong, Clendening) and he didn't think they were ready to play. Sure, if you're a Mike Babcock you might be able to get away with exercising that kind of control... but not when you're a rookie head coach.
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Cherpak
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- Jan 1, 2014
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HarrisonFord
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how can I make it so that I never have to see Steve Simmons face or read any of his poisonous drivel ever again?
KGL
Auston 3:16
- Sep 5, 2014
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Well, he wasn't expressing an opinion, just a fact. Kessel goes through coaches often.
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Empoleon8771
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On why Agnew got fired:
I have no doubt the refusal to play young players over the **** veterans played a factor in this. My guess is that Sprong starts seeing over double the ice time he's seeing now and Scuderi is a healthy scratch for most games.
I have no doubt the refusal to play young players over the **** veterans played a factor in this. My guess is that Sprong starts seeing over double the ice time he's seeing now and Scuderi is a healthy scratch for most games.
Not a Penguins fan but I'd have to disagree. He's traded away most of their assets and the team still has several holes.
He should have kept Neal and used the assets in the Kessel trade for a defenseman.
Sprong should have been sent back to juniors before the season.
The Despres trade is an obvious blunder.
He hired Johnston.
I don't see Pittsburgh as a legit contender and it is hard to see how they can dramatically improve over the next 2-3 years.
brewski420
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hockeykicker
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but isnt the offensive coach still there? so dont see the offense changing. scuderi yes
- Jun 13, 2010
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Agreed. I'm sure Sullivan will be fine but I really did like Hynes.
For those non-Pens fans laughing or curious, Johnston is a good coach. He's smart and he understands the game very well. Unfortunately, he's not the right coach for the Penguins. High lowered offense players + meh defensive is not the correct roster to be running a tight, timid, defensive system.
Not the right coach...and it was very, very obvious.
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