"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."I'm not sure which part of Giguere's brain thought up this idea. Quenneville, who was in the last year of his contract, had coached the Avalanche to a 131-92-23 record in his 3-year tenure, and this year led them past the Wild in round 1 only to be swept by Detroit in round 2. The roster was depleted most of the time this year yet Quenneville still got this gutsy bunch into the playoffs. How far could you expect the Avs to go without Stastny, Smyth and Forsberg (half the time)?
Oh well, that's business, right?
What are Avalanche fans saying?
Tapeleg at Jerseys and Hockey Love said this after the 8-2 drubbing by Detroit in game 4:
Perhaps this will make the people who like Joel Quenneville realize that he took this team into the ground. Missed the playoffs last season, swept in round two this season, backed a horse in Theodore that turned out to be a donkey. There is only so much I can take the injury argument, and getting swept is about that far.
Jibblescribbits has a massive post up about the firing, which includes:
I think Q has the tools to be a good coach, but he seems hell bent on making his personnel fit his scheme, rather than letting his scheme compliment his personnel. For example Smyth-Sakic-Hejduk should be a great line, puck control and great shots with a top-flight rebounder in front. But Q insisted that the puck starts behind the net, which isn't this roster's forté. Especially on the powerplay (which was an unmitigated disaster this season). To be a top flight coach you need to adjust your schemes to your personnel (See Bowman, Scotty; Babcock, Mike).Wow, no love for the giant f***ing Q in Avs land.
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