RapierShot

And now, stepping up to the tee box....the Hurricanes! I can't believe that was the same Canes team that started the playoffs...how things can change quickly! The whole episode in the Blues / Sharks game can make a man cry. At the same time, have to remember that mistakes happen - even in the NHL. Think we'll be hearing a lot more about officiating / rule changes in the off-season for sure. Keep the faith Blues! Go git 'em!!!!

That's an interesting question, Fog. We still need to see something about KGretzky's status and - hopefully - the pro scouting dept. P.S. The press release above refers to MacT as "the Canadian specialist"...wonder what they're expecting?

Surprised to hear the news, but we had to expect some shoes to drop eventually. Good luck MacT - hope it's a nice change.

Glad to see King Ralph back in the NHL. The English taxes must have been a great incentive to return. With Krueger's style of game, I think he should add Doug Weight to his coaching staff. They would work well together and bring some (overdue) excitement to that market. Congrats.

Speaking of blinders, Mess.....you know that the last 2 GMs here didn't finish out their contract terms? So anything is possible regardless of the contract. I'm hoping that Holland is wildly successful and is GM for at least the 5 years...but I don't regard that as a guarantee.

Messrules.....where in my comments am I advocating Gretzky as "some sort of prized future GM"? Given that there is an opportunity here for him to learn and grow (courtesy of Holland), why not take advantage of that? He knows the organization, has experience in the amateur side, so why not grow from there? That's how GMs are developed.

As part of the coaching change, I'm hoping there is a very careful scrutiny of the assistants, rather than just rolling along. Trent Yawney has a great resume as a player but our defence is still a group of bottom feeders since he arrived. We give up too many goals, allow too many chances, and can't seem to deal with a transition game. This is a consistent problem and we need to change it up or kiss hopes for playoffs good-bye. Hmmmm....wonder if Nick Lidstrom is available.....Ken? Then there's the goalie coaching....

Hoping we'll see Keith Gretzky extended for Holland's term. Seems like a great situation for mentoring and preparing Keith to take the reins when the time comes. Oh, and do something serious about the pro scouting side - they should be toe-tagged out of here. P.S. Here's a picture you won't want to see....if the Blues win the SC, chances are we'll see Chiarelli in the pics (he's "attached" to the Blues currently). That would be the Everest of irony!!!

The merry-go-round continues.....and now we're down to the final four. A big shout-out to the AVs...you didn't get past the Sharks but we love you for taking care of the Flames! Bruins vs Canes (this smells like a 7-gamer) Blues vs Sharks ( all about goalies) So, for those of you that didn't lose all the kids' college funds and rent money, have fun!

I hope Ken Holland is every bit as successful as his brother New....he's in the farm equipment business.

Personally, I'm on the fence regarding Holland. (I can thank the Oilers organization for the doubts over the past many seasons). By the time the puck drops in October, I'll have a much better feel one way or the other. In the meantime, wish him the best because I want this club to succeed!

Rumor mill has been throwing Todd Nelson's name about...he and KH have ties going back to Grand Rapids. With Hitchcock officially out, wonder what function he'll take on in the new regime?

Good points, HH. I heard something on SN the other day to the effect that Sean Burke is rumoured to be coming along to head up the pro scouting. Don't know if that's credible or not. Liking Woodcroft's work in the Bake...he has really found his niche and seems to be enjoying it a lot. With some continued good drafting in the future, this may become a strong point of this organization....nice change! Closet Red Wings fan here too....as far back as when teams had to chip a glacier to make an ice surface for skating.

FF52 has been away from here for quite some time - he spent more time on the Flames board. Always enjoyed - and often enlightened - by his commentary...a true hockey fan. RIP.

Dkers...agree with the concerns regarding the pro scouting here (most fans feel that way as well given what we've witnessed the past few seasons). If it's any consolation, I heard that -further to the expected Holland hiring - Sean Burke is expected to be brought in as well (SN talking heads). I don't have any reading on him or his resume but it's got to be better than what we're used to.