The Coach Q Era Is Officially Over

by Joe @ MHH on May 9, 2008 12:17 PM MDT in News Comment 111 comments

The Avalanche web site just announced that Coach Joel Quenneville will not receive a new contract from Colorado:

The Colorado Avalanche Hockey Club announced today that Joel Quenneville will not return to coach the team next season.
"After meeting with Joel, we mutually agreed that the best decision for both parties involved is to go separate ways," said Avalanche Executive Vice President & General Manager Francois Giguere. "On behalf of the organization, I want to thank Joel for his years of service and wish him the best in his coaching career."

More to come.

UPDATE: As PPP acknowledged in the diaries, this has major implications for the world's dwindling kitten population. Obviously, with the departure of Q, we will have to retire the Power Play Kittens meme, and come up with something equally vicious and mean-spirited for next season.

UPDATE 2: Adam Proteau at the Hockey News says Coach Q will probably have no trouble finding a new bench to stand behind in the NHL. Good luck to him.

UPDATE 3: From the AP and ESPN:

Giguere doesn't have a timeline for when he'll hire a new coach, but he does have one requirement -- an up-tempo philosophy. He wants the Avalanche to play with more speed.
"We've always been an organization that's been a puck possession, upbeat, high tempo, high energy, attacking [team]," Giguere said. "That's the way the Avalanche have always played and I think that's the way I foresee this team continuing to play."

As evident from the comments, it's clear that we're all extremely happy with Giguere right now. It's obvious that our concerns this season were shared by him every step of the way. We all knew Coach Q's style of coaching wasn't right for the Colorado Avalanche, and the general manager was right there with us.

Sandy Clough, please feel free to email Mile High Hockey (or create a user account) and let us know how stupid we are.

UPDATE 4: Adrian Dater got some comments from Patrick Roy about the departure of Quenneville, suggesting that perhaps he could be a candidate for the job. Says Roy:

"Am I interested? Right now I am very happy in Quebec with the Remparts. I really haven't thought about one day making the move to the NHL. Right now this is only a rumor or speculation," Roy told RDS.
But Roy seemed to leave a little wiggle room that he might be interested.
"We'll see what's going to happen. Francois Giguere will certainly have a list of candidates that he would like to meet."

I'm thinking Patrick Roy is probably 1) not ready to coach in the NHL and 2) not right for the Avalanche at this point, but who knows what could happen? I'm not a big fan of putting Roy behind the bench, whatever that's worth.

UPDATE 5: Bernie Lincicome finishes off his last bit of credibility with this howler of an article, which includes such gems as this:

In a hockey season with enough man-hours lost to injury to overcrowd an outpatient ward, Quenneville was Mr. Fix-It, armed with spackle and spit, keeping a competitive team on the ice and, somehow, a reinterested Jose Theodore in goal.
It was one of the great coaching jobs of any year, and for that, Quenneville gets the door.

He and Sandy must hang out.

___________________________________________

RECENT Q-RELATED POSTS:

Giguere Flies To Worlds, Maybe To Woo Burns (May 9)
Coach Q Keeps Losing Rooms (May 8)
Hmmm, Interesting... (May 7)
The Ax Rarely Falls In Denver, For What It's Worth (May 6)
All Quiet On The Coach Q Front (May 5)

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YES YES YES

THANK YOU FG, THANK YOU

by thedoctor on May 9, 2008 12:23 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

YES

Best. GM. Ever.

(as of right this second)

by Joe @ MHH on May 9, 2008 12:24 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

he sure does...

push the right buttons. FG has done a great job overall, the Arnason signing notwithstanding.

by thedoctor on May 9, 2008 12:31 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Clark

You forgot the Clark debacle as well.

The jury is still out on FG to say the least, but this is definitely a step in the right direction.

by Neptune on May 9, 2008 12:38 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

WOW

I'm stunned. I thought there was maybe a 25% chance of this happening. I should go buy a lottery ticket...

by Mike @ MHH on May 9, 2008 12:28 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

You know

Unfortunately, we will have to wait to call Sandy Clough until monday morning. I'm pretty sure the call screeners are going to have their hands full.

Though I bet theFAN is looking forward to the higher radio ratings for people just wanting to see what he will say.

by InYoFace on May 9, 2008 12:32 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: You know

I already gloated this week, and I don't think any further face washing is necessary (at least from me).

I just hope Clough remembers how he was not only totally wrong, but also made himself look like a giant ass at the same time.

In Yo Face Clough, In Yo Face!

by Joe @ MHH on May 9, 2008 12:37 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

WOOOOOOHOOOO

It's Christmas in May!!!! FG rocks! Now he just needs to bring back Sakic, Forsberg, Foote,and JML at least and he will be a God to me. I'm so happy!!!!

by texacogirl on May 9, 2008 12:36 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: WOOOOOOO

He can only bring back Forsberg if the poor guy has a new ankle and new groin muscles. Otherwise, Foppa is done.

by Joe @ MHH on May 9, 2008 12:37 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Forsberg

Someone from a forum mentioned Forsberg's foot is mostly healthy and his groins should heal fine. Given the offseason, he should be able to return. However, there was no source listed in the post so the information is speculative at best.

by texacogirl on May 9, 2008 12:41 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Plus

maybe if they also get a new training staff in place Foppa would have more of a chance?

by Bob in Boulder on May 9, 2008 12:43 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Plus

Well, I wonder about that, since he's sought medical help from the doctors of the Avalanche, the Flyers and the Predators, not to mention his hometown people in Sweden, and nobody has been able to really fix his ankle issue. It may be "mostly healthy" but it's still a weakness.

I would hope, though, that all of his options have not been exhausted.

by Joe @ MHH on May 9, 2008 12:46 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well,

IIRC, there were no concerns with his ankles in the playoffs. From what I remember, they were fine. His problem was his groin. And it's true that groins will heal in the offseason (assuming you have a capable training staff, of course).

The troubling thing is that with that being the case, his statements about being done are more mental than physical. If he's physically capable and mentally willing, I'd absolutely love to see him come back. But it's got to be both. Only one or neither of the above and he's just a distraction.

by Neptune on May 9, 2008 12:45 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Well

Yeah, if his head isn't in it, he won't be worth crap to anyone.

by Joe @ MHH on May 9, 2008 12:47 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

I know

Dater said after they got swept he thought Foppa was going to retire, you could see it in his eyes.

by Savage33 on May 9, 2008 6:03 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

You know...

...if you read the latest ESPN the Magazine, you'll see an article about "bionic athletes" where they feature amputees and whatnot. Why not take his foot off at the ankle and give him a fancy prosthesis?

I'm half-kidding, but you're going to see that happen more and more as technology improves. Someone with a chronic injury will just have that part removed and replaced with an artificial upgrade.

I mean, we've already seen an era in hockey where players go to the dentist and have their front teeth removed and made into dentures early in their career before they lose them to a puck or a stick (true story). We've also seen Ronnie Lott, the second baddest DB in the history of football, amputate his pinky fingers because they were always broken and bothering him.

If I were Foreskin, I'd look into prostheses if it meant I could be the great player I once was and extend my career a few years.

by Neptune on May 9, 2008 12:42 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: You know...

Does the NHL have any rules regarding the use of prosthetic limbs?

by Joe @ MHH on May 9, 2008 12:48 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Not that I have ever seen.

Hmm...maybe we could get Budaj to add a pair of prosthetic wings.

by Neptune on May 9, 2008 1:04 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Patty Roy

used his infamous batwings for years. Maybe Theo could get skin sewn under his arms ala Spiderman 2099 and still meet the new equipment regs?

(Too obscure a reference? Probably...)

by Mike @ MHH on May 9, 2008 1:06 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

I know

Spiderman 2099. Well done.

by InYoFace on May 9, 2008 4:29 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

I believe

they are allowed as long as the player drops them immediately when they are broken during the course of play and not used to play the puck.

Look at Phadouche. He's been using a prosthetic chimp brain for YEARS...

by Mike @ MHH on May 9, 2008 1:05 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: I believe

And, having been born without male genitalia, he no doubt has to make use of other prosthetics.

Too far? Yeah, probably.

by Joe @ MHH on May 9, 2008 1:07 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Re:

Too far? Yeah, probably NOT.

Fixed that for you...

by Mike @ MHH on May 9, 2008 1:10 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm a little choked up.

Seriously. I almost shed a tear a second ago (honestly), which is really hard for me to do for any reason.

As much as I love this team, as much time as I devote to even the most trivial of matters surrounding this team, it's not often that something happens that significantly alters my day, but this does. I am in a better mood now. The sky is a little brighter, the (stale hotel room) air is a little crisper. This is awesome.

Feels better than when my alma mater finally ended the reign of idiocy that lasted nearly a decade longer than it should have.

Wow.

Now, please FG, get rid of Granato and Cloutier as well. I am on pins and needles right now, worried that you might make Granato the next head coach. Please DON'T DO THAT!!!!

Pat Burns.
Pat Burns.
Pat Burns.
Please, oh please, Pat Burns.
I promise, if you sign Pat Burns, I will lay off you for a full calendar year.

by Neptune on May 9, 2008 12:37 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Burns to Toronto

I have to think that this is a much more likely scenario that going to Colorado or Coach Q going to TO.

And by think I mean I hope with every fibre of my being that it happens.

by PPP on May 9, 2008 12:58 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Burns to Toronto

You know what I'm afraid of? Paul Maurice. I certainly hope he doesn't find his way to Denver.

by Joe @ MHH on May 9, 2008 1:01 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

There would be...

...a lot worse things than Paul Maurice as our head coach. I mean, don't get me wrong, I really don't want him (Pat Burns, please), but he's a step up from the last two morons we've had.

by Neptune on May 9, 2008 1:03 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: There would be...

Oh, sure, it could be worse than Paul Maurice, but he's on the short list of unemployed coaches with NHL experience and he's probably a top candidate for at least one or two teams. Hopefully not the Avs with Burns being out there.

Hartley's probably going to Ottawa, so a retread of him is probably not going to happen, for what it's worth.

by Joe @ MHH on May 9, 2008 1:06 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hartley in ottawa?

HAHAHAHA Please let this happen.

by PPP on May 9, 2008 2:04 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hartley

It looks like it is going to be Brian Murray in Ottawa.

by hockeychic on May 9, 2008 4:01 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Count me in

on that freight train of fear. I may have to gouge my eyes out if I have to go from Q's mustache-and-tie debacle every night to Maurice looking like he hasn't had a bowel movement in a solar year.

by Mike @ MHH on May 9, 2008 1:03 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Maurice

If Maurice goes to you guys then you might as well start pooling the kitten population in Colorado because they will be slaughtered by the dozens.

Also, one of your goalies will become a highly paid door man.

But at least you'll laugh at his interviews.

by PPP on May 9, 2008 2:03 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hotel Room?

That left me with only one question: Was there space in the room for your cartwheels, Thomas?

;)

by Bob in Boulder on May 9, 2008 1:10 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

I might have a concussion.

And I wrecked their fancy plasma screen HDTV.

It was worth it though.

by Neptune on May 9, 2008 1:20 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Waiting Game

So how long will it take to find out who the new coach is? Soon? July?

by texacogirl on May 9, 2008 12:48 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: Waiting Game

Nobody knows, probably not even Giguere. He's got to interview and negotiate with some candidates, make an offer or two and wait for acceptance. It could be next week, it could be August.

by Joe @ MHH on May 9, 2008 12:49 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Waiting

I should have asked in my previous post but when will we know who re-signs with the Avs for sure? Is there a deadline? (I should know this, I think)

by texacogirl on May 9, 2008 12:50 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Waiting

Well, the free agency period begins in July 1st when expiring contracts officially become expired, and those players can negotiate with any team with no restrictions.

However, contract extensions can be signed prior to that, so players can negotiate with their current teams before that date.

by Joe @ MHH on May 9, 2008 12:53 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Awesome news

Wow, I actually completed 50 cupcakes for a benefit (kiss my ass Martha) AND now this good news! The season's barely over and I can't wait for next season to start.

by Rookie14 on May 9, 2008 1:11 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

BTW

Did anyone notice how much game 1 between Dallas and Detroit looked like game 1 of Avs and Detroit? Is Tippet pulling a Q or are the Dead Wings that good?

by texacogirl on May 9, 2008 1:14 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: BTW

They're pretty freakin' good, even if Dallas spent most of the game asleep. At least the Avs scored three goals in the first game against the Wings, instead of just one.

by Joe @ MHH on May 9, 2008 1:16 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Tippett

Tippett and Idiot are best friends in real life.

Idiot probably called Tippett and gave him some "pointers".

by Neptune on May 9, 2008 1:21 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Tippett

I have a transcript of that convo:

Q: First thing, don't prepare you players for ANYTHING.

Tippsy: Are you sure?

Q: Trust me. Also, no stretching before, during, or after the games.

T: That doesn't sound good, but surely you know what you're talking about. After all, you've almost-won more cups than me...

Q: Damn right. Lastly, yell at the refs ALOT. That always helps the team in critical situations. Don't be afraid to question thier manhood or mother's taste in sexual activities. It creates a coach/official bond that will pay off as the series continues.

T: Gee! Thanks, Qu-ey. You're the bestest!

Q: No problem-o, D-2-the-T.

by Mike @ MHH on May 9, 2008 1:28 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Sadly optomistic

Q is a good family man and from all reports a great teammate. I think it's sad that he is leaving on these terms but I think it's best for everyone that he's out.

Q has some pretty big question marks in his coaching resume at this point. None bigger than his mental breakdown (exhaustion or stress) while coaching team Canada. http://www.cbc.ca/sports/story/2004/...

I think it was a very poor hire (as was Granato before him) after that inexplicable collapse for Team Canada.

Brad Richardson, Peter Budaj and Andrew Brunette? There's still hope boys.

by Dario on May 9, 2008 1:16 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: Sadly Optimistic

Well, there IS a big time difference from St. Louis to Prague, so his collapse wasn't totally inexplicable. Some people just don't adjust to overseas travel very well.

But hey, you're right, he does have some weak spots in his resume, like how he failed to win a Cup in St. Louis.

by Joe @ MHH on May 9, 2008 1:23 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well, Richardson and Brunette anyway.

Budaj is a career backup. Not that there's anything wrong with that.

The potentially big news here is that maybe Brunette will want to stay now. His leadership and the chemistry he brings would be valuable to the team, especially with his nemesis off somewhere else now.

It'll be interesting to see if Richardson's potential has been squandered, or if he will re-emerge as the player he was before his talents were wasted.

Richardson would fill an awfully big hole as a relatively fast, talented two-way third line center if the next coach has the noodle to actually use him in that capacity. Would save some potential UFA money at the very least.

Hate to bring it up, but Cody McCormick is a relatively fast, defensively capable forward as well, and with the right coaching, he could have enough offensive spark to play a solid third line role as well.

by Neptune on May 9, 2008 1:26 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Richardson

Richardson's upside against McCormick is that he can also score goals. 14 last season. McCormick isn't offensively retarded, but he doesn't have great hands for scoring goals. On the other hand (so to speak), he does have good hands for punching people, and in that regard he's better than Richardson.

Either way, they both make far better third line centers than that one guy Arnason.

by Joe @ MHH on May 9, 2008 1:34 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

i'd say...

That Richardson is substantially faster than McCormick as well.

All things considered, I'd rather use them both as wingers. Neither is the best at faceoffs, and I think they would focus on their strengths better (richie: speed, scoring; McCormick: punishment, checking) in that role.

by thedoctor on May 9, 2008 1:41 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm not going to argue

However, I will say that right in training camp Q said the starting goaltender was up for grabs. He never gave Budaj the reigns even after The Streak. Can we reasonably assume Q improved the record of the team by switching goalies after every loss? I have more faith in Budaj than most I will admit. I don't think he's been given his shot.

by Dario on May 9, 2008 1:50 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Budaj

I agree. I think Boods showed what he was capable of down the stretch last year and he sure looked like a number one goalie to me. I could not believe the starting job was not handed to him this season but that's the past. I think he could take a shot at being number one and succeed. Of course, I just love to watch him play.

by texacogirl on May 9, 2008 1:56 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Budaj

Budaj had his shot last year and was given ample opportunities to grab the job all year this year. Neither he nor JoeTed could cement the job for themselves until right around the end of December.

Now, was Q to blame for playing musical goalies? Sure.
Did that hurt the confidence of both goalies? Sure.
Did Budaj ever do anything to win the job for himself? Nope.
Did Theodore ever do anything to with the job? Yep. Right around the end of December.

Budaj was given more rope than Theodore last year and he did nothing with it. Budaj and Theodore were given the same amount of rope this year, and Theodore was the one who won the job.

Budaj is a backup goalie. He's 26, thus, his development is just about finished. He is what he is. He's entering/in the midst of his prime right now, and he's a streaky, inconsistent backup who sometimes looks like he could be a #1, and other times looks like he should be in the AHL.

All things being equal, I'll go with the proven #1 over the streaky, inconsistent backup. And I certainly hope that FG does the same. If not, we're in for a rebuilding process that will not be pretty.

by Neptune on May 9, 2008 2:05 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

I changed my mind, I'm going to argue

Ok, I guess I'll argue the point since this farie tale has earned a life of it's own. Namely that Budaj was given a fair shot at being the starting goalie.

Let's review shall we? First the raw data.
Theo
Starts 52. Wins 28. Win% 53%.
2.44 GAA .910 Save %

Budaj
Starts 30. Wins 16. Win% 53%.
2.57 GAA .903 Save %

A lot more even than you thought? Won the same % of games and both goalies had relatively close numbers (even closer before Theo got the nod as fulltime goaltender at the end of the year and improved his statistics. Crazy how getting on a run of starts can improve a goalies stats isn't it?)

Budaj's big chance to start the year? It sure wasn't at the expense of Theo who was back in Lake Erie on a rehab assignment due to his knee. So, after not being named the starting goalie through training camp and getting the start by default let's see how Budaj started the season shall we?

Game 1: 4-3 win. Good guys win, Budaj gets the victory against Dallas and all is right in the world.

Game 2: 0-4 loss against Nashville on the road. If only Budaj could skate to the other side and score goals this might have been a different outcome. Instead Q yanked Budaj despite not getting any goal support and put in Weiman! WEIMAN! Q is already laying the foundation to solid goalie confidence early in the season.

Game 3: 6-2 win against Stanley cup favorite San Jose Sharks. Does Budaj get the start and win because Theo is just back from rehab or did coach have the confidence in him? My guess is that while I don't know, Budaj sure as HELL doesn't know. But he will soon....

Game 4: 1-4 loss against St. Louis. Your starting goalie is.... Theo. That's right, Theo. His 19 saves didn't get it done and Q sent a crystal clear message to Budaj.

Game 5: 5-1 win against the Blue Jackets at home. Your winning goaltender is... Budaj!! Maybe the Theo thing was just a fluke eh? Just wanted to get his sea legs after his AHL stint surely. Now we can get back to business with a starting goalie, it's Budaj's job to lose.

Then Budaj gets down four goals against Calgary, Q pulls him for Theo who mans the pipes for the offense to come back and force a shootout. Then Theo starts the following game and of course loses so then Budaj gets the start and loses 2-3, then wins 4-2 against Edmonton, then Q starts Theo after Budaj wins a freeking game. And so on and so on. It was a masterfull job of goaltending musical chairs. To say Budaj was given a shot is to say he was given a shot at the starting position in a way that has never been done in the history of hockey. I say he was never given that shot. I say Q gave him no reason for confidence. I say both goaltenders are lucky they are basketcases after a season like that. No room to make mistakes, no room to grow, no room for a defense or teammates to gel with a starting goaltender all year long.

by Dario on May 9, 2008 3:44 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Wow, guys guys, omg, holy shit, you guys, holy shit omg! YESSSSSSS! Do you realize what this means?!?? THis was a successful season!!!!!!!!!! The only downside to making the playoffs was the fact that Q would probably return. It looked inevitable that he'd be back when we beat teh Wild, but now he's gone, yesssSSSSS!!!!! So, we made the playoffs, got past the first round, lost to the #1 team in the NHL with only like, half our roster healthy, AND we got to get rid of Q, this is awesome!!!!!

No, seriously, Giguere is looking to be a great GM, his moves have really pleased me. The way he got Hannan/Smyth and then how he got Foppa/Foote/Salei, those were some skill moves, and now he chooses to not renew Q's contract, this guy is awesome!

by Mike the Avs Fan on May 9, 2008 1:31 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Giggy

Now all he has to do is win a Cup.

by Joe @ MHH on May 9, 2008 1:35 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah

that's true, lol.

by Mike the Avs Fan on May 9, 2008 2:05 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

WOO HOO!!!

This news makes my day. The only way to improve it would be for both Sakic and Brunette to re-sign today. How better to say "Yeah, we hated being coached by Q" than to re-sign the day he doesn't come back?

by Rather Dashing on May 9, 2008 2:06 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Heeeeey, wait a minute....

Do we really want this Burns guy as our next coach?? He was the Devils coach, and that organization instills defense into the soul of anyone who works for it... Wouldn't we be just swapping one defensive-minded coach for another? We're not a defensive team, at all, all our main guys suck at defense, we're a team that's supposed to attack and score goals, not sit back the whole game, like the Devils do. I'm starting to not like this.....

by Mike the Avs Fan on May 9, 2008 2:07 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Well

Burns adopted the best system for the players he had. He built his team around Scott Stevens, not somebody like Paul Stastny.

I think Burns, though defensive-minded, is a far more flexible and creative coach than Q ever could be.

And you can hardly call the Canadian team currently playing in the Worlds a "trapping" team.

by Joe @ MHH on May 9, 2008 2:18 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Um

Quenneville was a defensive coach? I mean, yeah, that was his reputation. But our team defense was why we lost the series to Detroit. Q is inept at offense, defense and special teams.

Further, Burns is the kind of guy who preaches defense, but it doesn't stifle his team's offense. Most importantly though, he holds his players accountable.

by Neptune on May 9, 2008 2:24 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah

I mean Q does have a defensive reputation. But why not look at someone like Wilson from SJ? I don't think he'll stay there....

by Mike the Avs Fan on May 9, 2008 2:32 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Yeah

Except Ron Wilson is a complete asshole, is not respected by his players and consistently fails in the playoffs despite having a ton of talent to work with.

He's more similar to Q than Burns is.

by Joe @ MHH on May 9, 2008 2:56 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

agreed

100% no to wilson. also 100% no to quinn and maurice.

by thedoctor on May 9, 2008 3:34 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Amen.

Never trust the lunch lady.

by Hardshell_Taco_del_Lowayne on May 9, 2008 3:44 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

At least

At least Mike Keenan isn't available so you don't have to worry about him. :)

by hockeychic on May 9, 2008 4:11 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Huh

He's not respected by his players? I didn't know that. How about Marc Crawford back? (ROFL)

by Mike the Avs Fan on May 9, 2008 4:53 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Next Up, The Trainers!

This is great news!

Never trust the lunch lady.

by Hardshell_Taco_del_Lowayne on May 9, 2008 3:44 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

interesting quote (in yahoo wire story):

Giguere doesn’t have a timeline for when he’ll hire a new coach, but he does have one requirement - an up-tempo philosophy. He wants the Avalanche to play with more speed.

"We’ve always been an organization that’s been a puck possession, upbeat, high tempo, high energy, attacking (team)," Giguere said. "That’s the way the Avalanche have always played and I think that’s the way I foresee this team continuing to play."

YES YES YES

by thedoctor on May 9, 2008 4:21 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

another quote, from dater:

"Avs assistant coaches Tony Granato and Jacques Cloutier will remain under contract, Giguere said, but it was unclear whether the team would keep them on in the same capacity under the new coach for next season."

boooooo

by thedoctor on May 9, 2008 4:39 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Roy

I can't believe St. Patrick's name is thrown in the mix for possible coaches. First, he is the owner, gm, and coach of the Remparts, is he not? Why would he give that up to coach in the NHL? Second, the fight in the juniors with his son and the subsequent suspensions does not speak highly of his coaching qualities. Last, he is a junior coach and I fail to see how that would make him NHL ready. Unless Roy is coming back in net, I say, he will not be coming back to the Avs anytime soon.

by texacogirl on May 9, 2008 4:51 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Roy

The only NHL coaching Roy should do at this point is as a goaltender coach, and since Hackett's been doing a good job we don't really need Roy.

by Savage33 on May 9, 2008 6:12 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

YES YES YES!

Indeed, I saw that on the Avs website, and I was so happy to see it. We are an attacking team, not a sit-back-and-defend-like-pussies team (like the Wild). It's the main reason I hated Quenneville, he wanted to turn the team into a defensive-minded one, and that's just not what the Avs are about, never have been, (hopefully) never will be. I love when a team is an offensive one. Look at the Wings, they aren't a defense-first team, and they are pretty damn good. The Ducks are a defensive team, but come on, they had Pronger AND Niedermayer last year, and it was pretty clear they were gonna win with those two guys. Look at all the best teams in the NHL, most of them are attacking teams: Montreal, Pittsburgh, Detroit, San Jose, Ottawa (although they were in turmoil this season, they were pretty good in previous seasons, being an attacking team). The Avs belong in that group, they have always been part of that group, and Quenneville just didn't want to realize that, and it's a good thing he's gone. I hope he goes to a team which actually does have defensive players and is willing to play defense, not a traditionally offensive team, like the Avs.

**steps off podium**

btw, that quote by Giguere is like, my favorite Avs quote now (although I did love when Sakic said at the end of the 06-07 season "we'll be here next year" talking about making the playoffs again, that was probably awesomer).

by Mike the Avs Fan on May 9, 2008 5:02 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Pit-Philly

Anyone watching?

by Jibblescribbits on May 9, 2008 6:28 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Yeah,

I'm watching. Good game so far. Open play up and down the ice and a lot more goals than I was expecting. Especially for a first period.

by texacogirl on May 9, 2008 6:36 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah

Exciting.

The ice looks so much more open in the East than west

2nd period underway

by Jibblescribbits on May 9, 2008 6:38 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Who you cheering for

I have trouble cheering for the Flyers, due to their propensity for cheapness, but I don't think I can cheer for Crosby and Malkin.

I think I am pulling for the Flyers, but that kinda makes me feel ashamed...

by Jibblescribbits on May 9, 2008 6:41 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

I Think

I'm cheering for the Flyers as evidenced by my muted cheer when they scored first.

I don't really care, not yet.

by texacogirl on May 9, 2008 6:43 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm Surprised

So far the two teams look pretty evenly matched, unlike Dallas/Detroit looked last night. It makes for a much more exciting game, imo.

by texacogirl on May 9, 2008 6:41 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Richards

Is the Man (but Malkin is too).

Richards demolished Malkin, but somehow Malkin gets in all alone on the slowest breakaway ever and rips one past Biron on the biggest cherrypicker goal ever.

4-2 pens

by Jibblescribbits on May 9, 2008 6:45 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Biron

Seemed unprepared for that break away. He barely moved as Malkin came in.

by texacogirl on May 9, 2008 6:47 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah

He hasn't been sharp tonight. The goal right before the period wasn't a very good one to give up

by Jibblescribbits on May 9, 2008 6:48 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Momentum Shift

Well, the Pens are all over the Flyers in this period. Flyers are skating slower and turning over the puck a lot.

by texacogirl on May 9, 2008 6:51 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

yes

Flyers look a little deflated. Those goals with 6 seconds left in the period are killer

by Jibblescribbits on May 9, 2008 6:54 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

#34

On the Flyers has a sweet 'stache, he looks like he's straight out of the Broad Street Bullies

by Jibblescribbits on May 9, 2008 6:57 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

'Stache

Check out Sid's wannabe playoff 'stache peaking through. I laughed when I saw it.

by texacogirl on May 9, 2008 6:59 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Wow

I can't believe Biron made that save! He barely got his stick on the ice to save the score from becoming 5-2.

by texacogirl on May 9, 2008 7:01 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Interesting thread jack

from a Q is gone to a Pens/Flyers game thread. Only in "hockeytown" would fans still care this much after their team is demolished. Errr, wait, this isn't "hockeytown?"

by Bob in Boulder on May 9, 2008 7:06 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Hockey Town

Speaking of "Hockeytown" none of the fans at the Joe decided to stick around for the game last night. The Joe emptied real quick during the third period and the leaving fans waved to the camera. How nice.

by texacogirl on May 9, 2008 7:11 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

lol

"we're not fans because we actually watch other teams even after my favorite team has been eliminated"

Wasn't that the argument?

by Jibblescribbits on May 9, 2008 7:11 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Haha

Yeah. That was it. Well, the team is winning and the fans still don't stick around. You would never see such a display at The Can during the playoffs. Especially if we were winning. Hockeytown. pish

by texacogirl on May 9, 2008 7:15 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

' Puta probs

If i go off, i'm having comp probs, so we'll see how it goes.

by Jibblescribbits on May 9, 2008 7:12 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Spanish

Anyone who speaks spanish may have an issue with the title, there. Or laugh their ass off. I'm just sayin'.

by texacogirl on May 9, 2008 7:18 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

lol

That's the genius of the slang 'puta

by Jibblescribbits on May 9, 2008 7:20 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Feel bad

For Timonaan. That's crappy

by Jibblescribbits on May 9, 2008 7:29 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Yeah

That has to be really frustrating watching your team march on in the playoffs and not be able to play. Especially watching a game like this.

by texacogirl on May 9, 2008 7:33 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Sweet Save

By Fleury. If he had Avalanche trainers, that save would have torn both of his groin muscles.

by texacogirl on May 9, 2008 7:37 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

lol

no doubt. They would have diagnosed eye cancer though.

by Jibblescribbits on May 9, 2008 7:49 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Boring 3rd period

zzzzzz.....zzzzz.....zzzzz

by Jibblescribbits on May 9, 2008 7:50 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

I Agree

Not much going on. It's almost over anyway. Tomorrow night, we can sleep some more as we watch the Dead Wings score 4 more goals in the first while Dallas lays on the ice for a nap.

by texacogirl on May 9, 2008 7:53 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Scrum

Huh... That was an exciting bit of all teams scrum. That was worth suffering through the third period.

by texacogirl on May 9, 2008 8:02 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Good lord

I can't believe you people hijacked the Coach Q post to run a Pens-Flyers game thread.

You know you all have the ability to create your own posts in the diary sections, right?

Somebody could have easily started a game thread there.

It's like a kindergarten class in here sometimes.

by Joe @ MHH on May 9, 2008 8:18 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

I tried to stop them!...

...by not joining in, it didn't work :( lol

by Mike the Avs Fan on May 9, 2008 10:50 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Sorry for the hijack

I have posted a thread for tonight's game dallas vs. detroit in my diary if anyone cares to join.

by texacogirl on May 10, 2008 3:57 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ding Dong....

the Q is gone, the Q is gone...

Ok so I am bouncing off the walls for a couple of reasons.
1st: our girls just won our Regional Track Meet by 30+ points.
2nd: I get home and find out Q is no longer behind the bench.

Hopefully sometime this next week Sakic, Foote, and Brunette will all resign.

by Americanario on May 10, 2008 12:32 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Joke of an article

Bernie at the RMN had this to say:

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/new...

Maybe he'll follow Q to whereever he goes next so he can shine his ass some more.

by jd21 on May 10, 2008 8:10 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: joke of an article

Added to the post. Thanks for the heads-up!

by Joe @ MHH on May 10, 2008 9:33 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

What a load of crap

Yes Quenville had success with the Avs...but it was the injuries that led to his success. Without Sakic, Smyth and SoS he was finally able to get the team to SLOW down and sit back on defense. To some degree it worked, in other ways it hurt this team. Q can not coach a fast paced, puck possession team...

by Americanario on May 10, 2008 9:50 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

HA

Anyone else catch this?

Theodore was even more harmful, turning, in the end, into a turnstile, but Quenneville's patience and faith in Theodore during the time they were together is at the root of Theodore's recovery.

The only reason Quenneville was "patient" with Theo was because he obviously has a grudge against Budaj. He wasn't patient with Theo at all, pulling him every bad start he had until January.

by Jibblescribbits on May 10, 2008 5:43 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Don Cherry

Blasted FG last night on Coaches Corner. He said FG was a bad, bad man for firing Q. He said the hockey gods are not happy with the Avs and FG will pay. LOL That guy seems to be crap dressed in wacky suits.

New flash, although we wish it were true, Q was not fired.

by texacogirl on May 11, 2008 12:41 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

I thought

the hockey gods were already pissed at us even with Q

by Savage33 on May 12, 2008 12:53 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

OMG

Say it ain't so...

http://www.denverpost.com/ci_9219834...

"Yes, I will talk to the Avalanche if they call," Roy said. "Yes, I will sit down with (general manager) Francois Giguere if he wants to talk about being the coach."

by texacogirl on May 11, 2008 8:51 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: OMG

I wouldn't read too much into that, Roy already said he's not that keen on being a NHL head coach right now, if anything it would probably just be a courtesy interview by Roy that might lay the foundation for him coaching in the future when he's ready.

by Savage33 on May 12, 2008 12:54 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs