Bruce Boudreau's firing as the head coach of the Minnesota Wild Friday morning marked the eighth NHL coach this season to lose their job. However, the timing of this one did seem a little odd. No one really expected the Wild to make a big push this season but the team is sitting just three points out of a wild card spot in the West. Boudreau is one of the most respected coaches to stand behind the bench. According to Minnesota GM Bill Guerin, it was time for someone new.
Guerin told reporters following the firing that he felt the timing was right to make a coaching change. As for whether Thursday night's game had an impact on his decision, Guerin wouldn't say either way. The Wild had a 3-1 lead over the New York Rangers in the third period and ended up losing in a shootout 4-3. Guerin did say Thursday night's game was one his team should have won.
Boudreau is a coach known for being well-liked by his players, but Guerin had no sympathy for anyone who may have been in shock over Boudreau's firing. He told reporters "if players are hurt by this move, maybe they're not the right players for the Wild." He added "they have to show up to work, be held accountable, and be more consistent. The Wild are pushing to make the playoffs."
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Boudreau was replaced by assistant coach Dean Evason, at least until a more permanent solution can be found. It is interesting to note that a well-known hockey analytics account on Twitter showed that Minnesota's goaltenders have been very unreliable over the last three seasons, yet it was the coach who took the blame.
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