Michel Therrien: What, me worry?

by FrankD on Jan 12, 2009 8:15 AM EST in News Comment 12 comments

Michel Therrien didn't exactly use those words when asked if he was concerned about losing his head coaching job with the Penguins but he did share a similar sentiment:

"No. Why? I'm not worried about that."

Michel Therrien on his coaching position
Post-Gazette

Close enough...

There's also a little bit on insight into the locker room provided by both the Post-Gazette and Tribune-Review. This probably doesn't explain much about what was discussed behind closed doors during the Penguins' players-only meeting a few weeks back, but if anything it's enlightening to see a player come forth and express the makings of dressing room banter and the general vibes surrounding management:

"There's definitely no talk about it in the dressing room. We definitely believe that we have the personnel and the guys to do it in this dressing room. We're not waiting for Ray to do anything."

Jordan Staal
Post-Gaz

This should hopefully cut some tension around the team, let the guys relax a bit and play some hockey Tuesday night against the Flyers.

I for one can't help but keep an arched eyebrow throughout this slump.

There's probably no use in comparing the two sports, but the general example that comes to mind stems from this past baseball season. New York Mets manager Willie Randolph was told he had job security hours before the team's GM flew out to the west coast to fire him after a loss smack in the middle of a road trip. Expecting the Penguins to treat Therrien the same way isn't likely at all, but the example proves it has been done before by professional sports teams.

That resonates enough to keep me on edge, although after this past week of group therapy sessions and general discussions I can't see the Pens firing MT no matter how bad it gets this season.

Which may lead to another question: Is management resolved to the fact that this season may be a wash? Probably not. No team founded on the grounds of athletic competition will admit defeat with so many games left to play.

They just need to pull it together soon and by "soon" I mean yesterday.

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I don’t think anyone could call the season a wash yet. The Pens are only 3 points out of 8th place in the conference, and we’re not even to the All-Star break yet. These last 5 games before that break seem like the make/break point for HCMT, though…at least in my mind.

Let's go Pens!

by JDunman on Jan 12, 2009 9:36 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

I agree, if the Pens were like 10 points out maybe it would be time to throw in the towel, but they are right in the thick of things even if it feels like everything has fallen apart.

I also agree with you about the next five games before the All-Star game being very critcal for Therrien. If he can stablize the season with some wins then I think he will be the coach for the balance of the season.

If things don’t turn around though, the break would be a perfect time to let a new coach come in and get organized.

by Hooks Orpik on Jan 12, 2009 9:45 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Definitely – a seven game skid into the break would do it for Therrien.

Sure, it may be a rough stretch, but at least it's okay to like Jaromir Jagr again.

by JDunman on Jan 12, 2009 10:22 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I’d like to see the Pens close out strong heading into the ASB. I guess it poses as one of two things – either a relief that they can stop losing and pull it together, or a cool off period for a team that turned it around quickly.

I’m hoping for the latter.

Follow the Penguins on SBN @ Pensburgh.com

by FrankD on Jan 12, 2009 11:20 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

No team founded on the grounds of athletic competition will admit defeat with so many games left to play.

I resent your implication that the Islanders were founded on something else. :-)

Sorry, gallows humor getting me through. This is interesting to watch from afar. Hope the Pens pull out of this for your own sake (and because they are my least-hated Atlantic rivals … the standings are upside down to my liking).

Lighthouse Hockey: an SB Nation New York Islanders blog with hip issues.

by Dominik on Jan 12, 2009 12:32 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Haha, I hardly ever dig into the Islanders for the same reason, but maybe I DID imply that…

Follow the Penguins on SBN @ Pensburgh.com

by FrankD on Jan 12, 2009 1:48 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I was going to mention that – but I’ve given up insulting the Islanders. I have to say they are my favorite team in the Atlantic to see the Pens play.

Sure, it may be a rough stretch, but at least it's okay to like Jaromir Jagr again.

by JDunman on Jan 12, 2009 2:22 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Haha, yes, that’s what the Pens need right now: a little Islanders cooking.

{checks schedule} Uh-oh, have to wait until mid-February for that. You’re on your own — although I see there is some Southeast soup on offer between now and then.

Lighthouse Hockey: an SB Nation New York Islanders blog with hip issues.

by Dominik on Jan 12, 2009 3:14 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

True, but four of the next eight are division games. If the Pens want to make a run for it there’s no better time than now.

Follow the Penguins on SBN @ Pensburgh.com

by FrankD on Jan 12, 2009 3:16 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

They’re the most generous team in the division. I admire that.

Follow the Penguins on SBN @ Pensburgh.com

by FrankD on Jan 12, 2009 3:14 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

He should be worried

the team is still stocked with talent, so the coach would be the most likely figure to go…the injuries certainly havent helped though….but you all are right, this month is crucial

Okay, just so I understand it... in your wildest fantasy, you are in hell. And you are co-running a bed and breakfast with the devil.

by bren on Jan 12, 2009 9:11 PM EST reply actions 0 recs