Dan Spiegel: Should Dale Tallon Have Total Control?

I agree 100%. Not only with your Tallon assessment, but that losing Gudbranson was like losing your transmission. Engine runs great, but nothing goes into gear. Is that worth 5mill/season? I'm not sold on that, and I still think it was the right financial move. Especially if this kid McCann can mature and play at the NHL level. His speed and skill are there, not so sure about his hockey IQ (McCann).
This team is going to need alot more than McCoshen for toughness, although it's been refreshing to see the "fighting spirit" over the past 2 weeks or so. This has been missing all season. Bjugstad needs to watch Brian Boyle tapes, and figure out how to play along the boards, or trade the guy for a bag of pucks. He's been good for 1 season, and hurt the other 2- are we dealing with David Booth II?
I think Rowe simply isn't ready for either an NHL GM or Head Coaching job. Like you mentioned, there's more to it than a spread sheet. Both of these jobs require time and experience at the NHL level in order to be successful; and for most, it's much more than 1-2 years in either capacity.

Tallon to the canucks is in the works.
Dont worry.

Good blog

Tallon to the canucks is in the works.
Dont worry.
- SRam19

Dumb comment, nipplehead.

Dumb comment, nipplehead.
- PanthersGoal

Florida should be relocated... even more simple

Florida should be relocated... even more simple

- ShaneP22

Not as simple as you.

Florida should be relocated... even more simple

- ShaneP22

This is the best you've got? Really? Time to find some new material and move on.

I don't understand how there is even an argument about this. You have the greatest player personnel guy in modern hockey. You have a manager who is respected by players not because he never gives them bad news but because he's honest and fair which doesn't make him less tough to work for. And, most important, his teams win. What am I missing?

I don't understand how there is even an argument about this. You have the greatest player personnel guy in modern hockey. You have a manager who is respected by players not because he never gives them bad news but because he's honest and fair which doesn't make him less tough to work for. And, most important, his teams win. What am I missing?
- nellie

The Excel file.

Florida should be relocated... even more simple

- ShaneP22

Come on, really? You play in the heart of Canada and not 18 months ago were in attendance trouble of your own. Stop with this nonsense, enjoy your season of relevance, and avoid hypocrisy.

Making the personnel changes this team made, both on and off the ice, were idiotic, moronic, and completely irresponsible. Why a set of owners do it after the most successful season in franchise history is beyond me. Tom Rowe and Joyce and Co. were the worst personnel decisions these guys could have made. I don't care how much money you bring to a team, it doesn't mean you can destroy its morale.

That being said, the ONLY possible way this ship is righted is if Dale Tallon has permission to throw Tom Rowe and everything he's instilled here off the BB&T Centers' roof. You have confused players playing a confused system, and it shows on a nightly basis. When your team is WORSE at full health, there are underlying issues. The guy is a cancer for young kids (he's going to destroy Malgin and Weegar), and veteran players clearly don't respond to him. You anger the entire group by calling out a player publicly while giving a news conference as you stand in front of a banner that literally screams "NO EXCUSES".

I just don't get it. And Dan, I know we're friends and I know we've talked about it on Twitter a bunch but... I don't understand how anyone can even defend it.

Can't qoute for some reason. To nellie:

Apparently Ownership has this amazing plan that a lot of us don't know about/are not seeing, that is a MUCH better situation than the young division winning up and coming team that we had before.

Making the personnel changes this team made, both on and off the ice, were idiotic, moronic, and completely irresponsible. Why a set of owners do it after the most successful season in franchise history is beyond me. Tom Rowe and Joyce and Co. were the worst personnel decisions these guys could have made. I don't care how much money you bring to a team, it doesn't mean you can destroy its morale.

That being said, the ONLY possible way this ship is righted is if Dale Tallon has permission to throw Tom Rowe and everything he's instilled here off the BB&T Centers' roof. You have confused players playing a confused system, and it shows on a nightly basis. When your team is WORSE at full health, there are underlying issues. The guy is a cancer for young kids (he's going to destroy Malgin and Weegar), and veteran players clearly don't respond to him. You anger the entire group by calling out a player publicly while giving a news conference as you stand in front of a banner that literally screams "NO EXCUSES".

I just don't get it. And Dan, I know we're friends and I know we've talked about it on Twitter a bunch but... I don't understand how anyone can even defend it.
- Panthers88

The bolded is especially intimately accurate. It's not even slightly difficult to see, people at the top of the organization, DON'T. KNOW. HOCKEY.

YES.

Dale should be the main man. No doubt about it. Free him from contact negotiations but let him guide and have final say over team roster and deals. Have a finance guy do the contract negotiations so Dale can maintain the relationships with the players and agents.

Rowe is in over his head; a poor choice to replace Gerard Gallant. 29 other coaches in the NHL probably felt they could get the Panthers into the playoffs this year, even with the injuries.

Where are the analytics on coaching? How can you take a division winner and give it to a coach with zero NHL games under his belt? This team has proven to have the talent to compete and should be a playoff lock. What was needed was an experienced coach to take them to the next level--not a coach who needs to learn on the job.

If you think we're not tough this year, wait until next year when Shawn Thornton is gone. Yikes.

Florida should be relocated... even more simple

- ShaneP22

Speaking of relocating, Mr. Ottawa Senators, is there any truth to the rumor that the Sens are negotiating to be sold or otherwise move to Houston (and the Western Conference) so that Quebec can get the expansion team in the Eastern Conference?

This game today is reason why the 8th playoff spot means nothing. We are not even close to cup competition. Way too long on defense. Way too soft on defense.
Sign ufa Jack Johnson.
Sign Vanek.
Don't resign Jagr.
Trade Bjudstad and or Mathison and or McGoshen for a veteran stay home deman.
Signs top 6 forward
Get a new coach

That was a sickening display of hockey. I mean, come the **** on!

This game today is reason why the 8th playoff spot means nothing. We are not even close to cup competition. Way too long on defense. Way too soft on defense.
Sign ufa Jack Johnson.
Sign Vanek.
Don't resign Jagr.
Trade Bjudstad and or Mathison and or McGoshen for a veteran stay home deman.
Signs top 6 forward
Get a new coach
- harveykline

Jagr is coming back, that's all but confirmed? I agree with signing Vanek, and trading Matheson is retarded. Let Vegas have Demers, don't weaken your system.

This game today is reason why the 8th playoff spot means nothing. We are not even close to cup competition. Way too long on defense. Way too soft on defense.
Sign ufa Jack Johnson.
Sign Vanek.
Don't resign Jagr.
Trade Bjudstad and or Mathison and or McGoshen for a veteran stay home deman.
Signs top 6 forward
Get a new coach
- harveykline

I agree with Vanek, IF he'll stay. Unselfish hard worker that gets results. How do you trade Bjugstad? Like, WHO is dealing for him with his tendency for injury? You'd practically have to give him away, but if somehow he stayed healthy his contract is not bad. In other words...STUCK. Jagr is fine, and even offers still at this time flashes of greatness. Can't trade Mathison..go after some D FA's.

Speaking of relocating, Mr. Ottawa Senators, is there any truth to the rumor that the Sens are negotiating to be sold or otherwise move to Houston (and the Western Conference) so that Quebec can get the expansion team in the Eastern Conference?
- JimboCoppertone

Never heard that one before

So frigin sick and tired of hearing this Mickey Mouse organization say "we're heading in the right direction" for the past 5 years. I'm all for ex military people for their service but all these guys now associated with the organization don't know poop about the game. Mr Viola you are probable a great guy but you are a lousy owner with the changes you have made, starting with DT.
Do your paying fans a favor and bring in a true hockey guy to run this ship top to bottom starting with a real coach