Here we are – Jan 9th, and the Columbus Blue Jackets brass finally hold someone accountable for their poor year. I guess it took a 7-4, uninspired loss to the Anaheim Ducks, to show proof that the Jackets are the worst team in the NHL. Last night’s game was a turning point? I guess when you are battling for 29th place, with the team you are playing, style points count. The CBJ LOOKED HORRIBLE LAST NIGHT.
But really? Waiting until after this game was the right time? Promoting Todd Richards, for the remainder of the 2012 season is the right move?
Columbus continues to make poor coaching hires and continues to make those involved in the franchise’s debacle, part of the solution. Case in point with Richards… I’m sure the CBJ doesn’t want to spend too much more on coach’s salaries…but they have backed themselves into a corner by owing old coach’s salaries, who didn’t deliver. This equation spells DOOM in “real business” ventures.
Action: the Ducks signed Bruce Boudreau 12 hours after he was fired from Washington. That moves shows commitment. Inaction: what have the CBJ done, post Ken Hitchcock? Well, the promoted then assistant coach, Claude Noel, then hire Scott Arniel from the Manitoba Moose of the American Hockey League (during the off season). Then, they fire Arniel and name assistant Todd Richards the coach for the remainder of the year… see my point…
While the firing of Scott Arniel was overdue and justified, the CBJ’s lack of tactical coaching transitions will continue to sink this franchise. I hope Richards does well, but who the heck really wants to coach under this mess?
I hope ownership wakes up and smells the coffee. The CBJ have quit on three coaches in a row…that’s a culture and leadership problem. In addition, you can’t win with LOFT – Lack of Flippin Talent… who do you hold accountable for LOFT? The Coach?
Not the owners of the Columbus Blue Jackets…
Ownership missed a chance to right this ship, once and for all. They missed an opportunity for a complete overhaul- GM, Coach, players.
So the CBJ head into the hottest part of the season for trades, with the same GM and President… One would think that these guys would need to go FIRST, then the coach, so that the NEW FOLKS could make sweeping changes during the hottest time to move talent. Instead, ownership just gave the guys, who locked down so many young and under achieving players, the keys to the car- so they can make even more poor changes to the organization.
Makes no sense to me.
