The Associated Press is reporting that the Carolina Hurricanes have fired head coach Peter Laviolette today, and according to Yahoo, he is going to be replaced by former Canes coach Paul Maurice.
The move comes as the Hurricanes sit on 26 points, three back of the Washington Capitals in the Southeast Division. While being in second place might seem like an odd time to fire the coach, keep in mind that Washington is the only division leader with fewer than 30 points, so if the Hurricanes were playing well at all, they'd be right up there in first place.
Laviolette led the Hurricanes to the Stanley Cup in 2006, beating Edmonton in seven games. Since then, however, Carolina has missed the playoffs twice, including last season when their grip on the division lead disappeared down the stretch as Washington won 11 of 12 to win the Southeast. Carolina lost an epic game to Florida in their final regular-season contest, where they badly outshot the Panthers and had 9 power plays, but couldn't win. Washington beat Florida the next night, 3-1, to enter the postseason and leave the Hurricanes at home.
Carolina is 12-11-2 and this year and has scored just 64 goals in 25 games (Washington, by comparison, has 80). Gaolies Cam Ward and Michael Leighton have been solid, but not spectacular, and I have to wonder if Laviolette's handling of Ward isn't behind this move in some respect. Ward should be a quality NHL goaltender, and seems the type that wants to play the majority of games in a Brodeur type mold. Leighton isn't ever going to be confused for Henrik Lundqvist, and the fact that Laviolette turned to him in some key games early this season rather than Ward had to leave some folks scratching their heads.
Laviolette now has plenty of time to scratch his head, or whatever, as he will no longer be coaching the Hurricanes.
Brooklyn Decker
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Although I'm sure no one is surprised Peter was let go, I'm sure every one was shocked at his replacement. Never seen that one coming. Peter will be missed by all but I think something had to be done,unfortunately. The player's, in my belief are the one's to blame. You can coach all you want to, but it is up to the player's to perform when they get on the ice. This team has plenty of talent and sure injuries do play a part but the player's that have been there are not living up to the potential that this team has. Want to thank Peter for the memories and I'm sure he will do well where ever he ends up.
Glen
Wendell
ranger glen
Wendell , NC
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Here's my take - Since the firing of Laviolette, the Canes have won 9 and lost 10, as of this date, and just came off a 5 game losing streak having shut out the Leafs last night - So what?
How good are the Leafs this year any way? My question is - Who are we bringing in to replace Maurice?
True Caniac
Statesville , NC
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