I talked with Guy Dupuis after Friday's 8-5 loss to Muskegon, and it reminded me that he has been through a start like this twice before with the Komets, in 1994 and 1996. Each time the team seemed to continue to get worse, just as is happening now.
In each of those times, Komets management fired the coach, first Bruce Boudreau and then Dave Farrish. I don't think there's any way that will happen again, in large part because it didn't work either of those first two times. Even when the Komets hired John Torchetti to replace Farrish, he couldn't do anything, and the next year he was the IHL Coach of the Year and eventually an NHL coach. Torchetti had coaching magic, and if he couldn't come in and turn things around, no one can.
Firing the coach would mean the Komets are giving up on the season, and the Frankes are a long, long way from that. They still have faith in Puhalaski, and he's more determined than ever to turn this around.
It also strikes me as interesting that this situation is a distant replay of what happened in 1994. The Komets brought back most of a team that had played in the Turner Cup Finals the season before. They felt the veterans had earned one more shot, but injuries and age wiped them out.
It took the Komets a few years to rebuild. This time management will try to do it a little quicker by keeping the coach and probably dumping some players.
Comments
I don't think that by firing the coach it would mean the Komets are giving up on the season. That being said, I am not saying that he should be fired.
However, you can only hear excuses for so long before it starts to get old. The end result is the same. Tonight, I didn't see a team out there. I saw individuals playing. It didn't even look like our team was having any fun. (With the exception of a rare 2nd period 3-goal blitz). I don't think changing players around for UNPROVEN players is going to solve anything. This isn't training camp.
I have an idea.... why not bring in an actual assistant coach? One that doesn't play, but one that is on the bench. I know that isn't our coaches style, however it might shake things up to have somoene else coaching the team to help out.
While tonight outcome wasn't fun, I did enjoy the game. I honestly can not remember the last time I saw the Komets take so many stupid penalties. For everyone harping on the officials, he let A LOT of things go. For the most part, we have the same officials calling the games as we have in the past several years. Most people in our section CRINGE when we actually have a power play. We do better shorthanded!
I just don't see it getting any better. When one of your star players is chased out of the net early in the second, something is wrong.
I just don't think enough work was done over the summer in filling voids left by Venedam, etc. I am not alone in thinking that.
Hats off to Muskegon, they are on quite the tear this year!
I would agree, I also heard that Lance Galbraith walked out on the team yesterday. I think the Komets need a major shake up. I dont know the answer to it, but I would think some major names to be moving. But if they trade Chaulk, I will rebolt. He is the best player the Komets have to offer. Not to mention my favorite.
Yeah, I heard the rumor about Galbraith too at last night's game. I also heard that the players are really upset about the Danny Stewart trade. Hope they're not holding that against Jorde and causing more turmoil among themselves. As far as more trades go, they better not even think of trading Colin Chaulk - he is the heart of the Komet team, not to mention, my favorite player. Having been a Komet fan for 30+ years, you realize that things like this are going to happen every once in awhile. Unfortunately, we can't always have banner years like we've had the last three seasons. Eventually you're going to have a bad season. This just may be the one.
I disagree with Mike that Chaulk is the best player on the team. Right now I don't think that anyone is any good. We have some that are trying to work hard such as Wiggins, Virag, Mark Smith, Goodwin. For some reason Chaulk is not being the leader that the Komets need. Management needs to take a lesson form the NHL like the Blue Jackets who benched their captain Luke Richardson or the Bruins who traded their Captain Joe Thornton.
I believe a move like that would really shake up the team.
Oh, and by the way Jorde. If you think that fihgt you got into will spark the crowd to be on your side your sadly mistaken. You don't hit for anything and I believe the only reason the fight occured was because you were called out by Fels for a weak cross check on Bouchard. Step upmor step out.
Nice trade there Franke's
Teresa, I love the team not the player. Chaulk is not doing the job and needs a new enviroment. He is a pass first shoot as a last resort player and that's not cutting it. He should start calling players out in the locker room and if he can' do that then bring in somebody who can.
Very interesting comments. Give me some more. You guys are right on it. I always knew I had super-intelligent readers! LOL
Blake
Ive heard Kean was placed on Waivers..Blake any truth to that..
Not that I heard of, but it also wouldn't surprise me. He probably won't be back until New Year's at the earliest, and if the Komets don't make some roster moves, they might be totally out of it by then. Plus, you know Jason isn't going to play anywhere else and they can re-sign him when he's healed.