Been readin an article on Tom Gaglardi and his views after last night's debacle. Check it out....
http://starsblog.dallasnews.com/2013...ight-now.html/
A couple of things stood out...
Quote:
Asked if he planned any changes to coaching staff or management in the near future, he said: “No.”
Asked if he believed in a philosophy of patience with his team, he replied “Absolutely.”
Gaglardi was asked directly if he would consider or discuss possibly changing from GM Joe Nieuwendyk or coach Glen Gulutzan, and he expounded on his beliefs.
“I don’t think we gain anything by making dramatic changes right now,” Gaglardi said. “I think it’s important to measure what we’ve got, and I think we need a good period of time to do that. I don’t think there’s anything to gain from doing anything like that or discussing anything like that, and nothing has been discussed like that. Frankly, that’s not on my mind from where I sit.”
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Near the end we have this....
Quote:
“It’s a patient group with a lot of experience,” he said. “I think Joe’s got a lot of wisdom, he’s wiser than his year’s. He’s a very patient guy, and I think Bob Gainey is the epitome of it. It was nice to watch the game with Bob, and it’s always nice to hear perspective from someone who has been around the game that long. So I think we’re all singing from the same songbook, and we all see things the same way. But if the way we’ve been playing lately continues through the season, then we might have a problem, so we’ve got to get this thing turned around. But I’m all focused on how we are going to play, and the standings will take care of themselves.”
He also stressed that while he will make decisions on the front office, management will make decisions on the coaching staff.
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Glen Gulutzan is very much on the hot seat now. That last sentence above says much. While Gaglardi isn't going to step in and fire him, he really didn't rally to his defense either. He pretty much gave Niuewendyk the green light to fire Gulutzan. At the very least, if they don't fire him, he won't be around after this season when his contract expires, barring a miraculous deep playoff run.
At the same time Niuewendyk has been served notice as well. Your every move will be closely scrutinized, and unless things start to take a more positive turn your head won't escape the axe. I agree with Gaglardi in that right now isn't the time for a major overhaul in the front office, the offseason would be better for that. Gaglardi seems to be setting the right tone from his position as owner. He will be patient, not making rash decisions, but will demand results as well.
Coaching, now that's a different animal. All the mental lapses, breakdowns in discipline, etc, are all on Gulutzan and his staff. Yes the players have to step up and take more pride in their game, but at some point you have to question the preparation and game planning by the coaching staff. And it all can't be laid off on the fact that they're playing so many young guys.
The next 41 days are going to be very telling for the futures of a number of people within the Stars organization.
