Travis Yost: On Paul MacLean

honestly the biggest news of the day is definitely Greening-Smith-Neil finally back together....we are saved...

As an outsider it seems like everything is wrong about the Ottawa senators except Paul Maclean

He'll be back... Firing him after one bad season is bush league. The guy lead the team to two consequtive post seasons and won a round agains the Habs. This season was a disaster not just for the coach but for the whole team. It was truly rock bottom.

He should be given another chance and be given an actual NHL roster! No more Phillips (buy him out or trade him), Neil (trade), Greening (buy out) and be given at least one quality new defenceman. He really only had Karlsson that was capable of logging big minutes this season.

Anderson may also get traded and I'd look to bring in a veteran (Tim Thomas) to battle it out with Lehner.

As an outsider it seems like everything is wrong about the Ottawa senators except Paul Maclean
- Just5

I feel like everything is wrong with them except Murray. MacLean has made some really really odd decisions in regards to TOI and line deployment.

I feel like everything is wrong with them except Murray. MacLean has made some really really odd decisions in regards to TOI and line deployment.
- pomattic

What are you talking about, Greening deserves 17+ mins a night...

if mac gets fired, who replaces him?

As an outsider it seems like everything is wrong about the Ottawa senators except Paul Maclean
- Just5

You are correct, sir.

Approximately 1 year ago, this team was on a rapid ascent. Everything was great and looking good for the future. It was impossible not to be excited as a Sens fan. One year later, here we are. What changed? Only 1 thing I can think of: the introduction and central importance of Melnyk's internal budget.

With all the new money coming in next year, we should be excited as fans. Yet, is anyone actually feeling this way? Melnyk's wallet is excited - that I'm certain of.

MacLean is not the problem - the players he has to use are. Murray choose those players, but I don't think he's the problem either - his hands are tied to a budget that puts the Sens at the very bottom of league spending.

my bet is that this is just a bunch of hogwash rumours so stir up interest in selling papers, or getting readers on a blog site (no offense Travis).

Once again, we know little as to what is really going on with the team, yet are speculating on what might be happening...

BG is certainly not a reliable source of information

if mac gets fired, who replaces him?
- sen_smile

Cameron, I assume. He's Melnyk's guy. Makes no sense to fire MacLean, and if they did Richardson would be the obvious logical replacement ... but since Melnyk is so heavily involved in f-cking this team up, it'll be his man.

my bet is that this is just a bunch of hogwash rumours so stir up interest in selling papers, or getting readers on a blog site (no offense Travis).

Once again, we know little as to what is really going on with the team, yet are speculating on what might be happening...

BG is certainly not a reliable source of information
- GadesnSens

None taken.

But a lot of people have, I guess independently, told me similar things the last two days. Garrioch's story would kind of be the cherry on top, I guess.

Will be a fascinating few weeks ...

Cameron, I assume. He's Melnyk's guy. Makes no sense to fire MacLean, and if they did Richardson would be the obvious logical replacement ... but since Melnyk is so heavily involved in f-cking this team up, it'll be his man.
- TreeSens

agreed....IF maclean gets fired, i'd bet my pension that it was melnyk's decision, and it would be to replace him with "his guy" cameron.

I think the term "over exaggeration" is appropriate regarding Mclean over the last couple of weeks.

Mclean will in all likelihood be back next season. When you miss the playoffs, your organization shouldn't be all hugs and kisses. There should be some pissed off people and disagreements will occur. That's hockey. I don't know why it's surprising that there may be in fact some disconnects in the organization. To me, it all stems from the ownership. If that gets cleared up, it creates a better work environment for the players and staff.

None taken.

But a lot of people have, I guess independently, told me similar things the last two days. Garrioch's story would kind of be the cherry on top, I guess.

Will be a fascinating few weeks ...
- Travis Yost

i think there is definitely something to these rumours............but i HIGHLY doubt it's because it's something that murray wants. i'd bet anything that it's pressure coming from melnyk...this has his stink all over it.

If MacLean goes and Spezza stays - it is going to be extremely difficult supporting this team and/or having any faith in the current management group.

None taken.

But a lot of people have, I guess independently, told me similar things the last two days. Garrioch's story would kind of be the cherry on top, I guess.

Will be a fascinating few weeks ...
- Travis Yost

no doubt.

just for giggles 'n poopz .....

As I was writing my response, a thought came to mind ..... IF the coach is replaced, that in itself will dictate the plans for the summer.....

Bring in a guy like Luc R. from the farm, and we loose our 1st line, methot and possibly Andy to get defensive help and a 1st this year..... OR

Bring in a new experienced coach (like Barry Trotz, or if Murray coaches himself) we sell assets to make a run before Murray fades into the sunset ....

this is going to be a fun ride for the next few months.....

As an outsider it seems like everything is wrong about the Ottawa senators except Paul Maclean
- Just5

I'd disagree, personally.

Goaltending is not a problem. It hasn't been super human like last year, but Anderson is a number one goalie.

Even the offense, currently 10th in the league for Goal for, 4th in the conference. You could make an argument regarding back checking I suppose.

The everything that's wrong with this team is the defense. Arguably worst defense in the league. And that includes all the teams in lottery contention. This could apply to the whole team mentality, but this is the issue.

if mac gets fired, who replaces him?
- sen_smile

I heard Greening is in the mix

I'd disagree, personally.

Goaltending is not a problem. It hasn't been super human like last year, but Anderson is a number one goalie.

Even the offense, currently 10th in the league for Goal for, 4th in the conference. You could make an argument regarding back checking I suppose.

The everything that's wrong with this team is the defense. Arguably worst defense in the league. And that includes all the teams in lottery contention. This could apply to the whole team mentality, but this is the issue.
- david22

Sensarmy, yes, the sens are in contention with those teams.

I'm assuming this is the pre game post as well.

Your GW2.0 hot girl of the day!

Sensarmy, yes, the sens are in contention with those teams.
- david22

i think the difference is that..........and this is just my opinion.............the sens defence, and probably the leafs too, had bad years but aren't necessarily bad D groups.....the oilers are bad on paper and on ice.

by that, i mean that i think ottawa was the victim of several players having down years at the same time. i personally think that cowen, methot, and even phillips are probably better players then what they showed this year.

assuming that even 2 of those 3 improve only a little bit next year, and no other changes are made, i'd take ottawa's d group (assuming that wiercioch gets regular playing time) over quite a few in the league.......cgy, car, edm, nj, nyi, tor.

they're by no means great, but i also don't think they're the worst, or even bottom 3. the GA this year have as much to do with the goalies poopting the bed, as they do with the D playing poorly.

He'll be back... Firing him after one bad season is bush league. The guy lead the team to two consequtive post seasons and won a round agains the Habs. This season was a disaster not just for the coach but for the whole team. It was truly rock bottom.

He should be given another chance and be given an actual NHL roster! No more Phillips (buy him out or trade him), Neil (trade), Greening (buy out) and be given at least one quality new defenceman. He really only had Karlsson that was capable of logging big minutes this season.

Anderson may also get traded and I'd look to bring in a veteran (Tim Thomas) to battle it out with Lehner.
- riceroni

I think Anderson was the reason for their success. That series against the Habs was incredible. They threw everything at him.

- sensarmy_11

Leafs and Sens both suck the same

- sensarmy_11

I like how the toronto logo is bigger than the leafs one