Notes from Today’s Paul MacLean Press Conference:
Bryan Murray spoke of how difficult and personal it was to dismiss Paul MacLean, MacLean was understandably not pleased about his dismissal. Paul Maclean was fired at around 9:30 this morning. He stated that his obligation is towards the Senators performance.
Clearly the Senators have not been performing up to the level that was expected, Murray expressed it was time to turn the page.
The Senators have clearly had uneasiness in the room. Murray stated that many of the better players on the team felt as if they have been singled out too frequently. Murray claimed he felt that MacLean had lost the ability to effectively communicate with the players. He said MacLean had become more demanding and more critical of the players.
Bryan Murray referenced a statement MacLean had made which seemed to show his lack of belief in his players.
"“All I know is I’m scared to death no matter who we’re playing. Whether it’s Sidney Crosby or John Tavares or the Sedins, I go day-by-day and I’m just scared to death every day of who we’re playing. And sometimes, I’m scared to death of who I’m playing.”"
The statement by MacLean seemed to have “rattled” Bryan Murray. Murray said that communication had become a one way street between MacLean and the players, believing that this may have been due to the pressure felt due to the team’s poor performance or simply the pressure of professional hockey.
Murray had meetings with various players and they expressed the poor communication between MacLean and the players. Murray refused to divulge which players he met with.
Murray stated that the organization believed they could be a playoff team this year. The team has not been performing at a high level and it was time to make a change. Murray said the Senators have been giving the puck up too much, giving up too many scoring chances, and not doing the right thing with the puck. Many of the problems have been due to coaching and positioning issues.
"“The forwards can’t disappear and not give the defenseman options to make a play to them.”"
Murray has stated that the Senators turnover numbers have been atrocious. Much of the blame seems to be on the system the Senators have been playing. Murray emphasized how the Senators can not seem to get things going from their own end.
Sep 24, 2013; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Ottawa Senators head coach Paul MacLean (right) and assistant coach Dave Cameron (left) during a break in the action against the Toronto Maple Leafs at the Air Canada Centre. Ottawa defeated Toronto 3-2. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
Dave Cameron will be the interim/potential permanent head coach of the Ottawa Senators. Cameron comes to the Senators having been an Assistant Coach since 2011. Cameron has previously coached the Mississauga Majors, and the Team Canada World Jr’s. Murray believes that Cameron is an effective teacher.
Luke Richardson was considered for the job but it very happy with coaching Binghamton. Coaching in Binghamton allows him to be close to his daughter who goes to Cornell.
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Bryan Murray went on further to say that he has been in communication with other teams about potential trades and upgrades to the team. Murray stated that Cameron will have the ability to bring in a player or subtract a player from the equation as he sees fit.
It is an interesting time for the Ottawa Senators. How will they play under new Head Coach Dave Cameron? Will they make the playoffs? Where will Paul MacLean coach next? All of these are questions that will be answered as the season progresses. Clearly MacLean had lost the faith of his players. It was time to make a change.