Crawford Fired

[PDO]

The Vancouver Canucks have called a news conference for 6:30pm et/3:30pm pt where they are expected to announce the firing of head coach Marc Crawford, according to Mojo Radio in Vancouver.

According to MOJO, no replacement has been named.

With Crawford at the helm this season, the Canucks finished with a 42-32-8 record and failed to make the playoffs for the first time in six years.

Crawford holds a career record of 411 wins and 285 regulation losses in 823 regular season games.

He was hired as coach in 1999 and holds the club record for wins with 246.



Crawford began his NHL coaching career with the Quebec Nordiques in 1994 and in his first season became the youngest coach to win the Jack Adams Award for coach of the year. He became the third-youngest coach in NHL history to win a Stanley Cup with the Colorado Avalanche in 1996. Crawford coached the Avalanche for two more seasons and left the club after the 1997-98 campaign.

Crawford also played his entire six-year NHL career with the Canucks.

Not sure he was the problem, but probably a move for the better.

[TimmyTabasco]

This is great news for the Vancouver Canucks

Finally, this guy has been handed the pink slip. Don't let the door hit you on the way out

I really think he had a lot to do with the average season. For example, Auld was overplayed, due to the Crow's stubborness about playing backups. This made Auld less effective at the end of the season..when escellent play mattered most

I hope they hire someone who will not have favourites, play backups, and understand defense.

Good job Nonis

[MadDevil]

It wasn't really Crawford's fault that his star players underachieved, but I think this move was necessary. The problem with the Canucks is that they haven't been willing to change the last 3-4 seasons, and it finally caught up with them this year. Crawford continued to give the WCE line ice time they didn't really deserve when struggling, and didn't do anything to help himself, or the team.

They should consider going after Andy Murray since he's available. He's the no-nonsense type of coach I think Vancouver needs.

[charlio lemieux]

From the sounds of the news conference there are more changes coming.

[KB in Kelowna]

I thought the players had tuned Crow out about 2 years ago, they only regrouped for a playoff push after the Bertuzzi suspension. Crow did some wonderful work in helping to rebuild the franchise along with Brian Burke after the wilderness years of the Messier and Keenan era, but there were problems that festered and this year only got worse. This team lacked a killer instinct and let their opponents off the mat and back into the game way too many times. There was occasional blow out but too often a mid 3rd period lead would evaporate or they would take an opponent too lightly and have to scramble to salvage a point or force OT. Now I am glad they didn't trap but a lot of bad habits amongst this so called elite core went unpunished or ignored, save for the back up goal tender being the whipping boy. The Canucks won 42 games outright this season. 5 more wins they win the Northwest Division and are a 3rd cede in the conference-check the standings do the Math. How many games against "bottom feeders" did they not get points in? Somebody had to pay the price and it appears to be Crawford. Yes he won more games as a Canuck coach and he will coach again, yes he has a cup ring, but he had the a General Manager not afraid to shake things up, one of the greatest goalies of all time and several players who were amongst the top players of the 1990's and Crawford was not renewed in Denver as that team retooled and took another run at the Cup.

Bottom line it is easier to fire a coach than most of the players, not that a change of scenery wouldn't hurt some of them.

[charlio lemieux]

I thought the players had tuned Crow out about 2 years ago, they only regrouped for a playoff push after the Bertuzzi suspension. Crow did some wonderful work in helping to rebuild the franchise along with Brian Burke after the wilderness years of the Messier and Keenan era, but there were problems that festered and this year only got worse. This team lacked a killer instinct and let their opponents off the mat and back into the game way too many times. There was occasional blow out but too often a mid 3rd period lead would evaporate or they would take an opponent too lightly and have to scramble to salvage a point or force OT. Now I am glad they didn't trap but a lot of bad habits amongst this so called elite core went unpunished or ignored, save for the back up goal tender being the whipping boy. The Canucks won 42 games outright this season. 5 more wins they win the Northwest Division and are a 3rd cede in the conference-check the standings do the Math. How many games against "bottom feeders" did they not get points in? Somebody had to pay the price and it appears to be Crawford. Yes he won more games as a Canuck coach and he will coach again, yes he has a cup ring, but he had the a General Manager not afraid to shake things up, one of the greatest goalies of all time and several players who were amongst the top players of the 1990's and Crawford was not renewed in Denver as that team retooled and took another run at the Cup.

Bottom line it is easier to fire a coach than most of the players, not that a change of scenery wouldn't hurt some of them.

they only regrouped for a playoff push after the Bertuzzi suspension. Makes you wonder if Bert was a distraction back then, before the Moore incident. The way Nonis was talking Bert likely won't be there next season.

How many games against "bottom feeders" did they not get points in?I think someone said last night, that they had lost all 4 of their games with St Louis, but I could be wrong.

[KB in Kelowna]

Makes you wonder if Bert was a distraction back then, before the Moore incident. The way Nonis was talking Bert likely won't be there next season.

I think someone said last night, that they had lost all 4 of their games with St Louis, but I could be wrong.
Point 1: Bert was not having the greatest of seasons prior to the Moore incident. The team was competative but not dominant and Bert's indiffernt play was a factor.

Point 2: You are correct they lost all 4 against St.Louis. That in a nut shell is the main reason they are not in the playoffs. Although there are other games and brain cramps where they could have had points or let teams they were in a fight for a playoff spot for get points. The woulda/coulda/shoulda's with these guys can drive a fan to distraction.

Now the rumour that Pat Quinn is coming back is floating around:eek: I shudder at the thought.

[charlio lemieux]

:laughing: Pat Qiunn going to Vancouver and Crawford coming to Toronto. :rolleyes:

[KB in Kelowna]

Pat Quinn is the WRONG guy to coach the Canucks, his record at developing young talent or integrating it into the line up in Toronto in the last few years was a source of frustration to Leaf fans on this and other boards. His teams have been weak in their own end, as have the Canucks, and the Leafs have had argueably better goal tending to bail them out. The fact that Quinn has personal and business interests in the Lower mainland is a non-starter. I don't see him coming back to a McCaw owned team and if Acquillini pushes Nonis to hire Quinn then Francesco has more dollars than sense. If the "core" of this team is not broken up then they need a guy with expereince in dealing with veterans and in demanding accountability. If the Flyers can Hitchcock after they are bounced out of the playoffs (somewhere swflyers ears are burning ) then I could see him in Vancouver. If Nonis blows up the roster thena maybe Andy Murray.

Apologies to those who may have read this elsewhere:rolleyes:

[PDO]

Very classy of Crawford to stand up for Bertuzzi.

[TimmyTabasco]

So, any news on a new coach..has suddenly dried up

Dave Tippett? He may be let go from Dallas..

Barry Trotz? He'd be my choice. But, I don't see the Preds letting him go

I think it comes down to these three..

-Vigneault(Moose connection)
-Lewis(players coach, coached swedes)
-Habschield(Tambellini connection)

Either of these would be a solid choice..

[Amoroq]

So, any news on a new coach..has suddenly dried up

Dave Tippett? He may be let go from Dallas..

Barry Trotz? He'd be my choice. But, I don't see the Preds letting him go

I think it comes down to these three..

-Vigneault(Moose connection)
-Lewis(players coach, coached swedes)
-Habschield(Tambellini connection)

Either of these would be a solid choice..Quinn (Nonis connections)

[KB in Kelowna]

Quinn (Nonis connections)

in the name of all that is holy and sacred NO!



Pat Quinn is the wrong guy at the wrong time for the Canucks. He was fired as Prsident/GM the last time because he would not fire Tom Renney and go back behind the bench. In addition McCaw had signed Messier for $6 million a season, a move Quinn did not support if I recall correctly. His legacy in Toronto, and this is not a bash fest, was one of always dressing favourites (Berg/Lumme/Domi) at the expense of playing time for younger more promising players. The Leafs were bad in thier own end( blame his buddy Rick Ley?) and were bailed out by Vezina-potential goal tenders. He is not the coach that the current roster of the Cancuks needs and if Nonis makes moves, he is probably not the man for that roster either.

[TimmyTabasco]

So, its been awhile..and no coach has been named

Nonis has mentioned he is taking his time, and some candidates are still coaching(AHL/NHL/Int.)

Candidates mentioned often would be Vigneault, Habschield, Dineen, and Murray. I don't think Murray will get the job

I'm pretty sure the Canucks will have a new coach by the draft

Carter has been non-committal to resigning..and that has to do with no new coach

So, hopefully something gets done soon

[KB in Kelowna]

The Moose are still in the AHL playoffs, if it is Vigneault then no announcement makes sense. If it isn't, then back away from the buffet table Dave (and I am one to talk:laughing: ) and do something.

[TimmyTabasco]

The Moose are still in the AHL playoffs, if it is Vigneault then no announcement makes sense. If it isn't, then back away from the buffet table Dave (and I am one to talk:laughing: ) and do something.

Yeah, I'm pretty sure it would be Vigneault. He has NHL head coaching experience, and was hired by Nonis

Plus, earlier in the season..Nonis refused Pittsburgh's request to interview Vigneault

Having said that..as mentioned before..Habschield has made it known he is very interested..as has Johnston

[KB in Kelowna]

Yeah, I'm pretty sure it would be Vigneault. He has NHL head coaching experience, and was hired by Nonis

Plus, earlier in the season..Nonis refused Pittsburgh's request to interview Vigneault

Having said that..as mentioned before..Habschield has made it known he is very interested..as has Johnston

Habschied has terrific credentials from the junior ranks, both Kamloops and Kelowna, as well as International with Team Canada Jr's and the various composite teasm that go into all the lower level European tournaments. My one caution was here in the Okanagan, his Rocket teams while successful could trap with the best of them. He did a very nice job with Josh Gorges of the Sharks and Shea Weber of the Preds, two young guys who would have looked good in Canuck uniforms.

[wildboy26]

I would like to see it go to Murray.

[KB in Kelowna]

I would like to see it go to Murray.

The word on Murray is he overworks his charges and as a result they expereince a lot of injuries. Look at LA in the past few seasons. He is very good at getting performance, but LA has always faded down the stretch and not made the playoffs or gone out very early as they run out of gas. If he has learned from his mistakes and if some of the Vancouver core is moved he might be the guy to rebuild with.

[TimmyTabasco]

Habschied has terrific credentials from the junior ranks, both Kamloops and Kelowna, as well as International with Team Canada Jr's and the various composite teasm that go into all the lower level European tournaments. My one caution was here in the Okanagan, his Rocket teams while successful could trap with the best of them. He did a very nice job with Josh Gorges of the Sharks and Shea Weber of the Preds, two young guys who would have looked good in Canuck uniforms.

You make some good points about Habscheid. But, I'm sure he wouldn't play as defensive with Vancouver. Anyway, a defensive minded coach may be the right tonic..one who can coach excellent defense, and offense

You also make good points about Murray. For those reasons, he will not be the next coach of the Canucks

[TimmyTabasco]

Well, Sutter was contacted about coaching the Canucks. But, he doesnt want to leave what he has going.

I'm beginning to think that guy is full of hot air. But hey, thats just me

We'll know by June.24th :thumb:

[KB in Kelowna]

Well, Sutter was contacted about coaching the Canucks. But, he doesnt want to leave what he has going.

I'm beginning to think that guy is full of hot air. But hey, thats just me

We'll know by June.24th :thumb:

I think Brent Sutter is sincere about wanting to stay with Red Deer. I think he likes working with the kids and the control he enjoys as Owner/GM/Coach as well as the chance to raise his family in a smaller center and away from a big media spot light. When his kids are older he may end up in the NHL coaching ranks.

[TimmyTabasco]

I think Brent Sutter is sincere about wanting to stay with Red Deer. I think he likes working with the kids and the control he enjoys as Owner/GM/Coach as well as the chance to raise his family in a smaller center and away from a big media spot light. When his kids are older he may end up in the NHL coaching ranks.

Well, I'm sure he does. Good for him. But, I still think the guy is full of himself..just a tad. But hey, it runs in the family :thumb:

Anyway, so who do you think will be the next coach? I'm leaning towards Vigneault

He seems like a good fit

-young
-head coaching nhl experience
-gets the most out of players
-already in the organization

Mike Johnston would be a gamble. If Nonis decided to go with Johnston, it wouldn't be a bad idea to recruit Larionov as asst. coach

Larionov is a proven winner, and an excellent hockey mind. This team would improve on defense over night

[TimmyTabasco]

I read the province today. And yes, apologies

Anyway, it mentioned that Nonis now has a shortlist..Nonis mentioned that some of the names on the list..would surprise people

We should know the next coach within 10 days..

[TimmyTabasco]

Read both papers the other day

Dineen is getting an interview. Most likely, just to see what he is all about. He doesn't have much experience

Also, Lewis will receive an interview.

Nonis mentions there will be a new coach by the draft

[KB in Kelowna]

Read both papers the other day

Dineen is getting an interview. Most likely, just to see what he is all about. He doesn't have much experience

Also, Lewis will receive an interview.

Nonis mentions there will be a new coach by the draft

There had better be a new coach by then! This person needs to have input into the players he will have to work with. If there isn't a coach by then it is a sign of orgainiztional dysfuntion. Like the new Bruins GM Chiarelli not taking over until July 15 or the Islanders hiring Trottier as a player development guy without naming a new GM. Either your GM is in charge of all aspects of Hockey Operations with to sink or swim own people there or you end up with mediocrity and not making the playoffs or suffering first round exits time and again.

[TimmyTabasco]

There had better be a new coach by then! This person needs to have input intot he players he will have to work with. If there isn't a coach by then it is a sign of orgainiztional dysfuntion

Very true

Nonis should step away from the buffet, or atleast invite the candidates to join him

I have a feeling the draft will be a big day for the Canucks...

[TimmyTabasco]

BTW..It looks like the interview process is moving along

Sources tell Sportsnet that Hockey Canada Head Coach Marc Habscheid will be in Vancouver this week to meet with Canucks general manager Dave Nonis about his team's vacancy.

Alain Vigneault, the Canucks AHL affiliate coach in Winnipeg is still widely regarded as Vancouver's prime candidate, although Habscheid, among others is considered part of the process.

Habscheid is also drawing interest from around the National Hockey League.

The New Jersey Devils are also believed to be interested in discussing Habscheid's future.



Source (http://www2.sportsnet.ca/blogs/hockeycentral_connected/2006/06/05/canucks_devils_interested_in_h/)

[Madferret]

I'd consider the Canucks hiring Alain Vigneault a step backwards for the organization IMO.

[TimmyTabasco]

I'd consider the Canucks hiring Alain Vigneault a step backwards for the organization IMO.

Why would it be a step back?

Vigneault did very well with the Moose this season. Remember, he didn't have much to work with..as most of the players were with the Canucks.

Also, he did alright with Montreal..considering half the roster was full of AHL quality players

He seems to be a coach, that can get the most out of his team..which is something the Canucks need. Sure, he's not a "sexy" option..but he does seem to be solid

[TimmyTabasco]

Where are the Canuck fans these days? Get out from under your rocks! :D

Anyway..

Scott Arniel has surfaced as a candidate. However, most likely as coach of the Moose..and not the Canucks

He is the assistant in Buffalo, and the one in charge of the offensive side of the game.

Dave Nonis said last summer that Scott Arniel ?is going to be an excellent head coach and I wouldn?t rule out that one day he?ll be coaching for me.?

At the time, most people assumed Nonis, the general manager of the Vancouver Canucks, would be hiring him as the next head coach of the Manitoba Moose, since Arniel was the runner-up for the American Hockey League job that went to Alain Vigneault.

However, a report in yesterday?s Vancouver Province(citing an unnamed source) suggests that Arniel will be getting an interview to replace Marc Crawford as the next head coach of the Canucks.

If Vigneault, who is considered by most to be the front-runner, gets the Canucks job Arniel would be an obvious candidate to replace him as bench boss of the Moose ? since he?s a former Moose captain, assistant coach and was on the short list of head coaching candidates when Randy Carlyle returned in the summer of 2004.

When reached in Buffalo, N.Y. yesterday, Arniel said he couldn?t comment on the speculation but that he hasn?t spoken to Nonis.

Source (http://winnipegsun.com/Sports/Hockey/2006/06/08/1621604.html)

Also, Peterson from Nashville..will receive an interview

I think Johnstons days are numbered in the organization

[KB in Kelowna]

Where are the Canuck fans these days? Get out from under your rocks! :D

Anyway..

Scott Arniel has surfaced as a candidate. However, most likely as coach of the Moose..and not the Canucks

He is the assistant in Buffalo, and the one in charge of the offensive side of the game.



Source (http://winnipegsun.com/Sports/Hockey/2006/06/08/1621604.html)

Also, Peterson from Nashville..will receive an interview

I think Johnstons days are numbered in the organization

Arneil to Manitoba makes sense, now back under that rock!

[THE HACK]

Ok the draft is now 2 weeks away and still no coach,like what gives Nonis?

Davey boy better get his butt in gear because this is taking too long(unless he's holding out for Peter Laviolette)!

Cheers

[TimmyTabasco]

Ok the draft is now 2 weeks away and still no coach,like what gives Nonis?

Davey boy better get his butt in gear because this is taking too long(unless he's holding out for Peter Laviolette)!

Cheers

Yeah, it doesn't look good for the Canucks

Nonis has to step away from the chicken, and make a choice

[TimmyTabasco]

Well..when is the draft? June 24th..thats next saturday..and still no coach. Nonis said a choice would be made well before the draft

I understand that this decision..could make or break the team. But, it has to be made..

[Amoroq]

Vigneault will be announced as soon as the cup finals is over

Here`s a good one that I put out on XM last week, and now have confirmed as a e3

The Canes are highly likely to trade their firts round pick, defenseman, Jack Johnson (A young Pronger) to the Penguins for the second pick so that they can grab the Staal`s younger brother...This is a really good bet...

Also, look for Peca to return to the Isles. (e1)
Sakic to LA or Calgary (e1)
Vigneault will be the new coach of the Canucks (good move) It will not be announcesd until after the cup is won...Pederson was a close second (e2)
Martin St Louis to Montreal (e2) or Ny Islanders (e1)

Eklund

;)

[TimmyTabasco]

Vigneault will be announced as soon as the cup finals is over



Eklund

;)

Well, it would be no surprise. Vigneault has been the front runner, for quite sometime

It will be interesting what happens with the assistants..and who the new coach will bring in

BTW, this would also mean that the Moose would be hiring a new coach..either Peterson, or Arniel