After watching his team start the season 3-9-4, and coming off a league worst 15-27-6 record last season, Florida Panthers GM Dale Tallon has decided to make a move to shake them up. The team has fired head coach Kevin Dineen, along with assistant coaches Craig Ramsay and Gord Murphy.
Dineen led the Panthers to a surprise Southeast Division win in his first year as head coach of the club, but has been unable to replicate that success in the last two years.
“After 16 games it was clear that our team needed a change in philosophy and direction,” Tallon said in a statement released by the Panthers.
“We have not met the expectations that we set forth at training camp and it is my responsibility to make the necessary changes to ensure that our club performs at its maximum potential.”
Peter Horachek, who is the head coach of the team’s AHL affiliate, the San Antonio Rampage, was named the team’s interim head coach. Giving him some help on the bench will be former NHLers Brian Skrudland and John Madden who join the staff as assistant coaches.
“Peter is a bright hockey mind who brings to our club a wealth of coaching knowledge,” Tallon said. “He is a focused, determined and demanding coach who has experienced great success at all levels of competition. Both Brian and John are proven winners who won multiple Stanley Cups and are individuals that our players know very well. With these additions, we are confident that we have a staff that will work tirelessly to bring continued success to our organization.”
Goalie coach Robb Tallas, video coach Jason Cipolla and conditioning coach Craig Slaunwhite will remain on the Panthers’ staff under Horachek.
Dineen is the second NHL head coach fired this season after Peter Laviolette was let go by the Philadelphia Flyers earlier this season.
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