Wow - talk about big news.
The Penguins announced tonight that Dan Bylsma, head coach of the Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins, will retain the position as interim head coach of the Pittsburgh Penguins.
"We believe we need a change in direction and, with 25 games remaining in the regular season, our goal remains to finish strong and qualify for the Stanley Cup playoffs. Dan Bylsma is one of the bright young coaches in the game and has done an exceptional job as the head coach in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton this season. We also would like to thank Michel Therrien for his significant contributions to the Penguins organization.”
Ray Shero, Penguins GM
Are you surprised by this move? Frankly I am a bit taken back by it. I mean, everyone knows what the Penguins are capable of and what they can accomplish. Of course everyone is also aware of what the Penguins have (not) accomplished this season. At first I thought Shero was willing to show some patience with Therrien, but perhaps this coaching move may help the Pens down the stretch here.
Admittedly I don't know much about Coach Bylsma, but I do know the Wilkes-Barre Pens are winners in nine of their last 10. With any luck that touch will transfer over to the parent club and make the Pens playoff contenders after all.
If not, what's the worst that can happen?
Special thanks to Tony from The Confluence for the heads up.
EDIT 9:24pm: So I did a little searching here on Pensburgh and found some interesting posts about Therrien. Here is the one that announces his three-year extension. In some sort of laughable/creepy way, here is a post I did about a dream I had where Michel Therrien didn't tell me I sucked after giving up the game-winning goal.