The Colorado Avalanche announced that their short search for a new head coach is over. They came to terms with one of their current assistant coaches Tony Granato to replace Joel Quenneville. The problem is that this isn't his first stint as head coach with the Avs.
Under Granato's tutelage, the Avalanche had a great regular season post of 100 points or more, but failed to make it past the first round in 2003 and the second round of the playoffs in 2004. Considered a failure in terms of postseason results, the Avalanche demoted Granato back to assistant coach.
So what will be any different this time around? Probably not a whole lot compared to this season, especially with how unpredictable the Northwest division is these days.
Last season the difference between first and fifth in the NW division was just 10 points. You go on a hot streak you move up to first, you loose a couple you drop out of the playoffs. Not an easy going division by any means.
If you also look at the Avalanches today compared to 2004, as Tanguay is gone, Sakic is getting old and probably won’t put up the same numbers as before. Hejduk is very unpredictable as per his seasonal performance, and Forsberg isn't able to dress every game. Blake is gone and Foote isn't the same as before.
The fire power isn't there as it once was, and unless they make a splash in the free agent market, there won't be much change in that standard. A big upside though is their defensive play combined with Theodore's return to his Vezina trophy self and the excellent play of Budaj will be a force to be reckoned with next season.
The big problem I have is the fact that he was fired four years ago for a reason. He wasn't able to bring his troops to the next level as in a cup.
So four years later, what has changed? Is he a better coach then Quenneville? I don't think so; mind you we only have two seasons of head coaching experience to draw from. I believe the Avalanche pulled the trigger too quickly with Quenneville and even quicker to promote Granato for the second time in his stint with Colorado.
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4 months ago
I can't even begin to fathom how this decision make sense.
4 months ago
I'm not sure about this.
Granted, he's been with the team for a while now, so this doesn't mean a HUGE change for the AVS. Tony has a great record on the regular season, but the playoffs is still a big question mark.
Has the years as assistant improved him? We'll have to see.
Personally, I didn't think needed a major shake-up. They were unlucky with injuries vs. The Red Wings.
I wish Granato well!
Now let's sign Sakic!!! :D
4 months ago
Injuries and the flu bug that hit Theodore, that and the fact the Red Wings are seemingly on a roll that no one can beat!
The question is that does Granato have a good regular season record due to the team already being built or because of Granato? All I know is that theres a reason why they thought he couldn't handle the team any more and he probably wouldn't have been giving a second chance if Giguere didn't take over as GM.
4 months ago
is it just me, or Tony looks like he's yawning in that pic LOL
4 months ago
I think Tony will be a good fit for the Avs, heres hoping it doesn't jump up to bite them.
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