Former Ottawa Senators coach John Paddock had some unkind words for his old boss today. Paddock, currently the head coach of the AHL's Phillidelphia Phantoms, holds GM Bryan Murray responsible for the mess that is the current Ottawa Senators, followed closely by the players for being "not very good." The man who oversaw the dynasty that was the Winnipeg Jets of the early 1990s was quoted as follows in today's Camden Courier-Post:
"I think now (Murray's) next in line... We were 14 games over .500 when I
was fired. They're seven under now. Somebody needs to take responsibility for
that. Whether the coaches he hired and fired were good or not, they're his
players and they're either not playing good or can't play, one or the other...
The players are not very good, that's the problem." - John Paddock
I detect a note of bitterness. Somebody care to remind John that he was fired in February, and the team was 14 games over .500 in November, meaning they played .500 hockey for about 4 months under his tutelage, which over 82 games in the 3-point-game NHL, is well below what is required for playoff contention. The team was in a tailspin when Paddock was relieved of duty, and was coming off two ugly blowout losses, so that 14 games over .500 stat is VERY deceiving.
Paddock is right though, the personnel Murray has in place are not the greatest, but as I have routinely pointed out, Murray did not assemble the majority of this roster. Apparently, people in the hockey world have short memories, possibly from all the blows to the head. Blaming Murray for the club's decline would be like crediting Brian Burke for drafting Corey Perry, Ryan Getzlaff, and acquiring J.S. Giguere to lead the Ducks to playoff glory... which many people do with annoying frequency.
My pro-Ottawa bias notwithstanding, it is interesting to get the candid perspective of an individual who was a part of this team over their decline. Whether you agree with Paddock or not, he is likely one of the more informed voices who has called for Bryan Murray's head - likely the most.
For more, consult Michael Landsberg on TSN's Off the Record, where he and a panel three or four Torontonians will no doubt spend eight minutes agreeing with Paddock, and lambasting Murray for signing Gerber and trading Chara after the NHL strike.
4 comments:
Of course he's bitter, he should be. But, as you pointed out, he's right. Fans love a lot of guys on this team who suck, or just make way too much money for what they bring to the table. Fisher (Fan fave) Phillips, Kelly, these guys all make way too much money. There is so little talent on this team it's scary. Hopefully BM can move some of his and Muckler's crap contracts out and get some talent and picks back. I can't take four more years of Mike "stone hands" Fisher missing the net from the top of the crease. It's pathetic. Please trade this guy, and kelly, and whoever else it takes to get a major influx of young talent. Please?
Anon 7:52,
Paddock, is that you? Emery called. He'll be late for practice again...
BWAAAHAHAHAHAH!
Anon 8:33, John here. Fisher called me and asked if I could talk to you. He's tired of you sitting outside his house in your car with a pair of binoculars. Mind leaving him alone? He does after all, have a restraining order against you. Next time your going to jail. But then, you'd probably like that wouldn't you?
I'm not sure I like your insinuation, Mr. Paddock. My interest in Fisher is strictly professional. He is a holy man and it would be sacrilege to have unclean thoughts about him.
http://www.mikefisher.ca/testimony/
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