Rutherford should have fired himself
- out_of_market

Eh, Jim is just trying to save some face for NHCMJ... nothing wrong with being a professional.

Rutherford: "For the most part, a lot of our players respected Mike (Johnston)."

— Dave Molinari (@MolinariPG) December 12, 2015

Rutherford: "I do see Mike (Sullivan) as a guy who is really a demanding and take-control guy."

— Dave Molinari (@MolinariPG) December 12, 2015

Rutherford: "I believe (Sullivan) is teh guy who can come in and really take control."

— Dave Molinari (@MolinariPG) December 12, 2015

For the most part, the team played like it. Draw your own conclusions
- out_of_market

Johnston's emotionless approach didn't fly with the players, and he was unequipped to lead at this level. He didn't lose the locker room. The guy never had it. Rutherford pretty much confirmed what we were all thinking. The players did not respect the Johnston and we cut bate with the farce before it got worse.

My favorite Rutherford quote was in regards to the power play not being where he expects it to be. So let's retain Tocchet.

Management planned to alleviate Tocchet of his duties today but we are all afraid of him. Heinze claims he saw him eat a beer can once.

— Grim Rutherford (@GrimRutherford) December 12, 2015

Lolz

this is a happy day.

Clearly Tocchet has some dirt on Mario from back in their playing days

-Coke Habit?

-Road Mistresses?

-Something else?

Probably why Mario wants to get out of ownership. Can't have Tocchet hanging this over his head much longer

Any other reasonable explanation?

Johnston was a horrible hire from the start.

Thank goodness he's gone.

I predict instant improvement. I predict that Sullivan will let the players play to their own strengths instead of being forced to be something they aren't.

Hopefully the centers' defensive responsibility will be decreased.

Hopefully the forwards will be allowed to aggressively pursue the puck on the forecheck.

Really looking forward to Monday right now.

Johnston was a horrible hire from the start.

Thank goodness he's gone.

I predict instant improvement. I predict that Sullivan will let the players play to their own strengths instead of being forced to be something they aren't.

Hopefully the centers' defensive responsibility will be decreased.

Hopefully the forwards will be allowed to aggressively pursue the puck on the forecheck.

Really looking forward to Monday right now.
- hardnosed

Me three.

Me three.
- j.boyd919

Me 4.

My favorite Rutherford quote was in regards to the power play not being where he expects it to be. So let's retain Tocchet.
- Reverend Killtaker

Johnston was running the PP this year. Still not sure what Tocchet does exactly...

Johnston was a horrible hire from the start.

Thank goodness he's gone.

I predict instant improvement. I predict that Sullivan will let the players play to their own strengths instead of being forced to be something they aren't.

Hopefully the centers' defensive responsibility will be decreased.

Hopefully the forwards will be allowed to aggressively pursue the puck on the forecheck.

Really looking forward to Monday right now.
- hardnosed

I hope you're right. I do find it ironic that the Pens have looked good the last two games.

Johnston was running the PP this year. Still not sure what Tocchet does exactly...
- jfkst1

Weird I thought it wasTocchet. Now I'm dumbfounded too

Me 4.
- Victoro311

me 666

My favorite Rutherford quote was in regards to the power play not being where he expects it to be. So let's retain Tocchet.
- Reverend Killtaker

Rev, the fact you had that exchange with Sullivan a few days ago makes this all the better..

So, what I've heard reported is that MJ was taking the PP responsibilities away from Tocchet and running it himself. If true, it does make sense the power play was starting to play better of late if Tocchet had more control while Johnston was flailing to save his job...

But all of that to say, I would have canned Tocchet too. Maybe go with RW's guy from the Marlies as an assistant. Sullivan as HC, Martin and Keefe as assistants. But beggars cant be choosers....exciting day for Penguins hockey.

Let's be real here, I started the #BetterCallSull movement weeks ago...

I read something about Agnew having authority to decide which defenseman dress for the games, that seemed to be a big issue with GMJR, so not shocked he was canned.
- YouMeAndDupuis9

Yes you did. And then you seduced me with the powers of the dark side. I became your apprentice.

Weird I thought it wasTocchet. Now I'm dumbfounded too
- Reverend Killtaker

johnston took power play duties away from tocchet

I really don't have to say this do I ? The window is closed. Firing the coach is not the issue that was needed. Gm needs to go. Absolutely no talent besides a few players and the d and is horrible and the goalie is playing great. Wait!!! Am I talking about the flyers?!

Johnston was a horrible hire from the start.

Thank goodness he's gone.

I predict instant improvement. I predict that Sullivan will let the players play to their own strengths instead of being forced to be something they aren't.

Hopefully the centers' defensive responsibility will be decreased.

Hopefully the forwards will be allowed to aggressively pursue the puck on the forecheck.

Really looking forward to Monday right now.
- hardnosed

In Sullivan's first interview he said he wants to allow his best players more leeway to be creative/play their style rather than pigeonhole them into a certain system.

(Paraphrased -- but music to my ears)

I really don't have to say this do I ? The window is closed. Firing the coach is not the issue that was needed. Gm needs to go. Absolutely no talent besides a few players and the d and is horrible and the goalie is playing great. Wait!!! Am I talking about the flyers?!
- jmdodgeser4

You really don't have to say anything at all.

Johnston was running the PP this year. Still not sure what Tocchet does exactly...
- jfkst1

I was about to chime in with that. Not that I love Tocchet by any stretch of the imagination, but the PP was Johnston's responsibility.

I really don't have to say this do I ? The window is closed. Firing the coach is not the issue that was needed. Gm needs to go. Absolutely no talent besides a few players and the d and is horrible and the goalie is playing great. Wait!!! Am I talking about the flyers?!
- jmdodgeser4

It's Pennslyvannia pro sports thing really, except the Pirates but they're basically Ohio anyways

I really don't have to say this do I ? The window is closed. Firing the coach is not the issue that was needed. Gm needs to go. Absolutely no talent besides a few players and the d and is horrible and the goalie is playing great. Wait!!! Am I talking about the flyers?!
- jmdodgeser4

Our forward grouping is actually quite strong, but the system neutered them all. Our defense corp is not strong, but a small trade for a mid pairing RHD would go a long way.

Yes you did. And then you seduced me with the powers of the dark side. I became your apprentice.
- Victoro311

Haha...you and Rev I think were the only ones joining me in wanting Sullivan. Dude has the right attitude and resume and he doesnt cost a draft pick.

I didnt hear anything about Sully being the "interim" coach, but ill be very interesting if another team fires a coach after Jan 1st...a big name like Boudreau or something...but I think Sully is going to do well here so hopefully a moot point

I hope you're right. I do find it ironic that the Pens have looked good the last two games.
- jfkst1

They looked okay. Not great.

Yeah no, he's been out most of the season with a busted left knee.
- Reverend Killtaker

Too bad i think bb finally caught up to him in career goals