Senators fire Jacques Martin

[Captain Slack]

Saw this coming.

Senators dismiss Martin

By Phil Coffey | NHL.com
April 22, 2004

The Ottawa Senators' first-round loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs has ushered in a period of change for the Senators.

The first change comes behind the bench were Jacques Martin was fired Thursday afternoon.

Martin, 51, was the NHL's longest-tenured coach, having been behind the Ottawa bench for over eight seasons. But the fourth elimination in five seasons to the Maple Leafs, Ottawa's most heated rival, was too much.

General Manager John Muckler did not name a replacement for Martin.

Martin is likely to be back on his feet quickly. He is well regarded around the League and enjoyed considerable regular-season success. But a 31-38 record in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, was costly, especially this season when the Senators were considered a top Cup contender after advancing to the Eastern Conference Finals last spring, falling to New Jersey in seven games.

"People are always going to point the finger at one or two guys and look for somebody to blame, but what happened here is the fault of the whole team," defenseman Chris Phillips told reporters Thursday. "We didn't play well as a team. We weren't able to put them away when we had the chance. This is tough because we had high expectations for this team. We wanted to go a long way."

Martin's regular-season record at the helm of the Senators was 341-255-96.

Martin came to Ottawa on Jan. 24, 1996 from the Colorado Avalanche, where he was an assistant coach. Denver, where he was an assistant for the Avalanche. Martin entered the NHL as head coach of St. Louis in 1986-87 and 1987-88, leading the Blues to the Norris Division championship in his rookie season.

Could Paul Maurice be a candidate here?

[e2ipiand1]

Coach Mo has three qualifications to coach the Senators:

1. Beat the Leafs in the Playoffs.
2. Reached the Stanley Cup finals.
3. Beat the Leafs in the Playoffs.

[Captain Slack]

Here's the TSN article. A little more indepth.

Senators fire Martin

TSN.ca w/files from CP


4/22/2004

Another loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs in the Stanley Cup playoffs may not have been Jacques Martin's undoing but it certainly didn't help.

The Ottawa Senators fired Martin, two days after the team was eliminated by the Maple Leafs for the fourth time in the last five years.

Assistant coaches Don Jackson and Phil Myre were also relieved of their duties while Perry Pearn and Randy Lee were retained. General manager John Muckler says Pearn will not be a candidate for the head coaching position.

"We felt that we had to go in a new direction, to get a new voice in the dressing room," explained Muckler. "I think some of the blame has to sit in the dressing room, but its the oldest cliche in our industry, you can't fire 29 people."

"Is it right, sometimes it's not but I know one thing that's right, we needed a change."

Muckler added that he has not ruled out making changes to the lineup, but those won't happen immediately.

"I just feel we need somebody to come in and take us over the top of the mountain."

Martin has been head coach of the Senators for the past eight years and following Paul Maurice's dismissal this season in Carolina, he became the longest serving head coach in the NHL. He had signed a two-year contract extension with the Senators in January, which included an option for a third year if there was a lockout this fall.

Martin compiled a record of 341 wins, 249 losses and 96 ties in the regular season. However, he could not translate that regular season success into the post-season, finishing with a 31-38 playoff won-loss record. The Senators won four of 12 playoff series and two of their last four under Martin.

The former NHL coach of the year guided the Senators to three division titles, the President's trophy and reached the conference finals in the Stanley Cup playoffs last season.

No immediate replacement was named, but Muckler said the job is "wide open" and whomever is hired will have to "fix our dressing room".

"We have to find more leadership coming out of that dressing room, he's going to have to develop that," he said of the next head coach. "I think there can be some improvement in the attack part of our game, yet keep the defensive part of the game together."

Among the names expected to receive consideration for the position is former St. Louis Blues coach Joel Quenneville, New Jersey Devils special assistant Larry Robinson and Detroit Red Wings assistant coach Barry Smith. Muckler said he has no interest in returning behind the bench himself.

Martin joined the Senators from Denver in 1995-96, where he was an assistant for the Avalanche. He took over as head coach of the Senators on Jan. 24, 1996, after Dave Allison was fired.

Martin was head coach of the Eastern Conference team at the 2003 all-star game. He previously coached the World Team at the 2001 all-star game in Denver.

He was also an associate coach for Team Canada at the Olympics and is slated for a similar role at the World Cup of Hockey later this year.

Martin entered the NHL as head coach of St. Louis in 1986-87 and 1987-88, leading the Blues to the Norris Division championship in his rookie season.

He joined the Blues after guiding the Ontario Hockey League's Guelph Platers to a Memorial Cup in 1986.

[CANESFREAKinDET]

Oh wow...I could definitely see Paul as a candidate here. Sources up here have kinda hinted at that, and also another rumor that id coach lewis doesn't take the Wings far, then HE could be canned for Maurice. Any way, I see Paul getting a job by next season...where? We have yet to see, but I like the guy, personally. I want to see him behind someone's bench at least. :spin:

[Stormbringer]

I'd love to see Mo get the Ottawa job. Though, it will be wild to see the second longest tenured coach in the NHL replace the longest...

[Solracer]

I'd love to see Mo get the Ottawa job. Though, it will be wild to see the second longest tenured coach in the NHL replace the longest...

I think Mo would be great up there, but I think a better fit would be Joel Quinville (sp?).

[raleighcanesfan]

Mo would be cheaper. Don't think he would do as well with the clientle (sp?) though. Different kind of team than the Canes.

[nccanes]

Martin ready to prowl for Panthers?
By STEVE SIMMONS, Toronto Sun

Could Jacques Martin be on the verge of becoming the next coach of the Florida Panthers? Could be. Two separate sources insist that Martin will end up in Florida after being dumped by the Senators following another playoff disappointment.

Both are convinced that Martin is the perfect candidate to take over a talented team of extremely young players who have yet to make their mark in the NHL -- not unlike the team he inherited in Ottawa.

The real difference is this: If he gets the job, he starts with just about the best goaltender in hockey in Roberto Luongo. That he didn't have in Ottawa.

The appointment of Martin makes sense, if it happens, and two independent sources are certain that it will.

[nccanes]

Martin ready to prowl for Panthers?
By STEVE SIMMONS, Toronto Sun

Could Jacques Martin be on the verge of becoming the next coach of the Florida Panthers? Could be. Two separate sources insist that Martin will end up in Florida after being dumped by the Senators following another playoff disappointment.

Both are convinced that Martin is the perfect candidate to take over a talented team of extremely young players who have yet to make their mark in the NHL -- not unlike the team he inherited in Ottawa.

The real difference is this: If he gets the job, he starts with just about the best goaltender in hockey in Roberto Luongo. That he didn't have in Ottawa.

The appointment of Martin makes sense, if it happens, and two independent sources are certain that it will.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Coyotes pique Martin's interest
TSN.ca Staff
5/9/2004

Jacques Martin says he would be interested in the vacant head coaching position with the Phoenix Coyotes.

Martin tells the Arizona Republic that he's spoken with three teams since being fired by the Ottawa Senators but the Coyotes have yet to make contact with him.

Coyotes managing partner Wayne Gretzky has said that Martin is an attractive coaching candidate.

Interim head coach Rick Bowness is still under contract with the Coyotes and GM Mike Barnett has not ruled out keeping him on full time next season.

Martin confirmed he has talked to the Florida Panthers about their coaching vacancy but did not identify the other two clubs.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Coyotes pique Martin's interest
TSN.ca Staff
5/9/2004

Jacques Martin says he would be interested in the vacant head coaching position with the Phoenix Coyotes.

Martin tells the Arizona Republic that he's spoken with three teams since being fired by the Ottawa Senators but the Coyotes have yet to make contact with him.

Coyotes managing partner Wayne Gretzky has said that Martin is an attractive coaching candidate.

Interim head coach Rick Bowness is still under contract with the Coyotes and GM Mike Barnett has not ruled out keeping him on full time next season.

Martin confirmed he has talked to the Florida Panthers about their coaching vacancy but did not identify the other two clubs.

[talkingcanes]

I think Martin's name will come up for every job opening. Sounds like he'd like the sun of Phoenix given his choice!

[talkingcanes]

I think Martin's name will come up for every job opening. Sounds like he'd like the sun of Phoenix given his choice!

[nccanes]

Looks like he wants a little warmth, but no humidity. ;)

[nccanes]

Looks like he wants a little warmth, but no humidity. ;)

[ONeillsNo1Fan]

The Sens have named Bryan Murray as their head coach.
http://www.ottawasenators.com/news/press/2004/nr0608.aro

[ONeillsNo1Fan]

The Sens have named Bryan Murray as their head coach.
http://www.ottawasenators.com/news/press/2004/nr0608.aro

[ONeillsNo1Fan]

The Sens have named Bryan Murray as their head coach.
http://www.ottawasenators.com/news/press/2004/nr0608.aro

[nccanes]

I always love when players and coaches leave parting shots like this:

"I wanted very badly to come back to coach," Murray said at a news conference. "I wanted to come back to a hockey country where hockey meant something."


Yes, I know - I'm the one who preaches tolerance on the hockey is part of Canada thing. I'm not denying that part.

I do take exception to players and coaches painting non-Canadian cities, fans with a broad brush. I don't even mind the sentiment - I'm sure he's being perfectly honest.

BUT, hockey certainly means something to the fans of the Duck fans and STH. It means something to the people that watched on TV but couldn't buy tickets. It means something to the people that helped pay his salary. It means something to the people that bought Duck merchandise.

Yes, you weren't King of LA Mr. Murray, and in Canada you can be King of Ottawa. That (in my opinion) is no reason to make the poor sobs that ARE hockey fans in Anaheim feel like they are inadequate.

Like I always say "tell you wife, tell your friends, tell your agent", but don't dis the fans that supported you and your former franchise that in doing so it still meant nothing.

Disappointing.

[nccanes]

I always love when players and coaches leave parting shots like this:

"I wanted very badly to come back to coach," Murray said at a news conference. "I wanted to come back to a hockey country where hockey meant something."


Yes, I know - I'm the one who preaches tolerance on the hockey is part of Canada thing. I'm not denying that part.

I do take exception to players and coaches painting non-Canadian cities, fans with a broad brush. I don't even mind the sentiment - I'm sure he's being perfectly honest.

BUT, hockey certainly means something to the fans of the Duck fans and STH. It means something to the people that watched on TV but couldn't buy tickets. It means something to the people that helped pay his salary. It means something to the people that bought Duck merchandise.

Yes, you weren't King of LA Mr. Murray, and in Canada you can be King of Ottawa. That (in my opinion) is no reason to make the poor sobs that ARE hockey fans in Anaheim feel like they are inadequate.

Like I always say "tell you wife, tell your friends, tell your agent", but don't dis the fans that supported you and your former franchise that in doing so it still meant nothing.

Disappointing.

[nccanes]

I always love when players and coaches leave parting shots like this:

"I wanted very badly to come back to coach," Murray said at a news conference. "I wanted to come back to a hockey country where hockey meant something."


Yes, I know - I'm the one who preaches tolerance on the hockey is part of Canada thing. I'm not denying that part.

I do take exception to players and coaches painting non-Canadian cities, fans with a broad brush. I don't even mind the sentiment - I'm sure he's being perfectly honest.

BUT, hockey certainly means something to the fans of the Duck fans and STH. It means something to the people that watched on TV but couldn't buy tickets. It means something to the people that helped pay his salary. It means something to the people that bought Duck merchandise.

Yes, you weren't King of LA Mr. Murray, and in Canada you can be King of Ottawa. That (in my opinion) is no reason to make the poor sobs that ARE hockey fans in Anaheim feel like they are inadequate.

Like I always say "tell you wife, tell your friends, tell your agent", but don't dis the fans that supported you and your former franchise that in doing so it still meant nothing.

Disappointing.

[Mona]

I agree E.. he needs to be respectful of the fans..I fondly remember the crowds in Anaheim during their Cup run. They were supportive and completely nuts. I am sure they haven't always had huge crowds but there were those that never missed a game and supported the team through the good and the bad.. like some of us and our Canes! ;)

I have seen a lot of stereotyping of a hockey fan and contrary to these folks beliefs, they aren't all male Canadians. I am a perfect example of that.. female, Southern born and bred, and grew up loving my Pack and ACC sports. I have never had a group of such diverse friends that I have made through the Canes.

[Mona]

I agree E.. he needs to be respectful of the fans..I fondly remember the crowds in Anaheim during their Cup run. They were supportive and completely nuts. I am sure they haven't always had huge crowds but there were those that never missed a game and supported the team through the good and the bad.. like some of us and our Canes! ;)

I have seen a lot of stereotyping of a hockey fan and contrary to these folks beliefs, they aren't all male Canadians. I am a perfect example of that.. female, Southern born and bred, and grew up loving my Pack and ACC sports. I have never had a group of such diverse friends that I have made through the Canes.

[Mona]

I agree E.. he needs to be respectful of the fans..I fondly remember the crowds in Anaheim during their Cup run. They were supportive and completely nuts. I am sure they haven't always had huge crowds but there were those that never missed a game and supported the team through the good and the bad.. like some of us and our Canes! ;)

I have seen a lot of stereotyping of a hockey fan and contrary to these folks beliefs, they aren't all male Canadians. I am a perfect example of that.. female, Southern born and bred, and grew up loving my Pack and ACC sports. I have never had a group of such diverse friends that I have made through the Canes.