Dallas Stars Daily Links: Los Angeles Kings Fire Coach Terry Murray

by Erin Bolen on Dec 13, 2011 6:01 AM CST in Dallas Stars Daily Links

The Dallas Stars handed the Los Angeles Kings their fourth consecutive loss Saturday evening, and that proved to be the tipping point for upper management, which fired head coach Terry Murray late Monday afternoon.

Murray is the fourth coach fired this season and the second in the Pacific Division, following Randy Carlyle of the Anaheim Ducks.

Some had speculated that when the ax eventually fell on Murray, Carlyle would replace him in Los Angeles, but instead the team decided to go with an interim solution and named assistant John Stevens as interim head coach.

And while Murray may bear the brunt of this news, general manager Dean Lombardi did not hold back when he said the blame also fell on the Kings players.

Doughty isn't nearly the player he was two seasons ago and isn't contributing enough offensively. Dustin Penner should have more than two goals and Justin Williams more than four. Anze Kopitar should have outgrown his streakiness. The third and fourth lines need to establish identities. And it's long past time to hear from Jarret Stoll.

Lombardi didn't mince words Monday in telling players they bore as much responsibility as Murray.

"It's simple. It sounds cliche-like but it's true. Ultimately the message is that they're accountable, and unfortunately the coach has to pay the price," Lombardi said. "But make no mistake that they're the ones who are accountable for this."

After the jump, the Stars try to find their legs before tonight's game against the New York Rangers, more on the firing of Terry Murray and Yaroslavl Lokomotiv returns to the ice.

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Sunday was a long travel day spanning three time zones and an entire continent, so Stars coach Glen Gulutzan tried to get it out of his team's legs Monday with a fairly lengthy, pacey practice. [DallasNews.com]
All the notes and numbers about tonight's game you could even dream of needing. [ESPN Dallas]
Like we posted earlier, Adam Burish and his camo cast will be at the Stars official watching parting today at Frankie's in Dallas. There is also a party with free pizza at Frankie's in Fort Worth, but Burish will not make his way across the Metroplex for that one. [Defending Big D]
My favorite elf is back in the NHL just in time for Christmas. Antti Miettinen, who had been playing for Ak-Bars Kazan in the KHL, signed a two-year, one-way deal worth $1.5 million per year with a no-movement clause with the Tampa Bay Lightning. Since he's played overseas this season, he's currently on waivers, but with that contract, I think Tampa is safe. [Tampa Bay Lightning]
John Stevens was named interim coach of the Kings after Murray was let go, but many around the team don't expect it to be a permanent solution. Here's the first time I saw Darryl Sutter's name floated. [LA Kings Insider]
And Puck Daddy follows up on that with a nice post how it might not be Sutter himself but rather a coach of his ilk. [Puck Daddy]
Meet the enemy, part the first: I do hope with all the microphones HBO has around for their 24/7 series, Steve Ott's mouth makes some sort of cameo on the final cut. [CBC.ca]
Meet the enemy, part the second: I know, I know, we'll get more than enough Brad Richards commentary during the game tonight. But I thought this was a nice and balanced look with good quotes from him as to the fact that he regretted leaving but was tired of having the money issues that came with being run by the lenders. And that's fair enough, at least for me. [ESPN New York]
Around the Pacific Division: In a trade that had way too many parts for the caliber of player's involved, the New Jersey Devils traded center Rod Pelley, defenseman Mark Fraser and a seventh-round pick to the Anaheim Ducks for defenseman Kurtis Foster and minor league goaltender Timo Pielmeier. [Fire & Ice]
Lokomotiv Yaroslavl returned to the ice on Monday in Russia's equivalent to the AHL, winning it's opener 5-1. [Puck Daddy]
For today's video, I present to you our own Christmas miracle, Trevor Daley sans hat.

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3/5 pacific teams with new head coaches

Also excited to see our stars on hbo

by can we get hatcher back on Dec 13, 2011 6:08 AM CST via mobile reply actions

I don't know if anyone saw...

But Gulutzan joined the NHL Network studio for about 15 minutes yesterday afternoon since he’s in New York. So that was pretty cool segment.

You bring up a good point – can’t wait to see the Stars on 24/7!!

by coolcolin09 on Dec 13, 2011 6:15 AM CST reply actions

Here's a little something to keep an eye on every now and then...

Oleksiak survived the first round of cuts for the Canadian Junior team. Here’s a link. I don’t think he’ll have any trouble actually making the team, but I still get nervous.

"He punched the highlights out of her hair.... He punched the HIGHLIGHTS out of her hair!!!" -- Young Neil

by Tsudbury on Dec 13, 2011 8:56 AM CST reply actions

I really like what Richards had to say...

It shows that there is no animosity from him… I don’t know why so many Dallas fans hated him for doing what he did, but I understood it completely. I guess I’m in the minority, though…

"He punched the highlights out of her hair.... He punched the HIGHLIGHTS out of her hair!!!" -- Young Neil

by Tsudbury on Dec 13, 2011 8:57 AM CST reply actions

I'm with you on it

I understand his reasons for leaving. If you work for a company where ownership is sketchy and you have the opportunity to leave you will…especially for more money at a bigger, more well-known company.

by RB16 on Dec 13, 2011 9:16 AM CST up reply actions

I understand however

Brooks put an article up today about how we had a trade with the rangers for richards lined up at the deadline and he refused to waive because of the quality of pieces involved for the rangers to get him which i do not appreciate

by can we get hatcher back on Dec 13, 2011 11:24 AM CST via mobile up reply actions

Why would anyone want to screw over the team that they're about to go to though?

We may not appreciate it because our loyalties stay in Dallas. But approving a trade to go to a new team that you just hampered, when you can wait a couple more months and sign with in FA is just good business sense.

"He punched the highlights out of her hair.... He punched the HIGHLIGHTS out of her hair!!!" -- Young Neil

by Tsudbury on Dec 13, 2011 11:59 AM CST up reply actions

He’s trying to play gm for slather and it also shows he had made up his mind atleast by the deadline… Putting my conspiracy hat onvnow but what if he intentionally shanked shots or missed in shootouts because he knew new york would pony up and didn’t want to risk injury

by can we get hatcher back on Dec 13, 2011 12:05 PM CST via mobile up reply actions

Well....

This was in an article brooks put online today can’t say I appreciate what he did if true

Richards could have come to the Rangers last year at the trade deadline. But, according to an individual with knowledge of the situation, he declined to waive his no-move clause when he learned of the bounty (three Grade A assets) the Stars were demanding in return, not wanting the Blueshirts to be diluted upon his arrival.

by can we get hatcher back on Dec 13, 2011 11:32 AM CST via mobile up reply actions

It makes no sense for him to agree to a trade like that.

The only reason he would is if they were in a position after the trade to push for the Cup that season. But if you are going there long term and looking a season or two down the line why would anyone expect him to weaken his future team like that?

Liking your current team and mates is one thing. But hurting yourself and your future team for them is really asking too much.

by 1paniolo on Dec 13, 2011 12:09 PM CST up reply actions

Everybody wants to compare

whether it was better to keep Bichie or get the new guys we got. Thats not the real question. Without the supporting cast, Richards can’t do the rest. We are a better TEAM without him when we are spending at the NHL floor.

The real question is … can you imagine this team with Richards added to what we have now?? We would still be several mil under the cap. That was the real reason I wanted to keep Richards. Getting that kind of top shelf skill that can get you to the peak is not easy to go out and do. Getting the supporting cast is a lot easier.

by 1paniolo on Dec 13, 2011 12:06 PM CST up reply actions

I like how the guy that actually acquired Dustin Penner has the nerve to call him out.

Dustin Penner is terrible. You should have known this when you traded for him, Dean.

Defending Big D Check it out
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"You guys are talking about living forever like it’s a real thing, but I bust out a man shoving his head into a vagina, and it’s srs time?"
--iorange555 8/23/2011

by Josh Lile on Dec 13, 2011 8:58 AM CST reply actions

That's basically like saying,

“Look at all these people I signed! They’re all awful!”

$20 says they have a new GM soon, if they keep this up.

"He punched the highlights out of her hair.... He punched the HIGHLIGHTS out of her hair!!!" -- Young Neil

by Tsudbury on Dec 13, 2011 9:03 AM CST up reply actions

Before Lombardi gets canned...

I hope he just loses his mind and starts making stupid trades.

Carpe diem!

by dmoore44 on Dec 13, 2011 9:09 AM CST up reply actions

Lombardi isn't going to get canned

He’s the President AND GM. I think they’d have to go completely under for him to be pushed out.

by Josh Lile on Dec 13, 2011 9:34 AM CST up reply actions

Making someone the president AND GM is ridiculous...

it undermines the whole point of having those positions. It keeps them from being accountable. The only thing worse would be an owner/president/gm, but thankfully, no team is that dumb to have someone like that in charge. Otherwise they’d just wallow in mediocrity for decades….

Right?

"He punched the highlights out of her hair.... He punched the HIGHLIGHTS out of her hair!!!" -- Young Neil

by Tsudbury on Dec 13, 2011 10:26 AM CST up reply actions

The Kings problem isn't Lombardi.

He’s built up an impressive talent base. Picking up Penner was questionable, but you can’t argue with the talent level of the team.

I think the problem here is how the message is mixed. The statements he’s making are the statements a President would make, but that statement would normally include the General Manager. So, in that sense combining the positions doesn’t make sense. Basically he should have just shut his mouth, held the coaching staff accountable, and moved forward.

by Josh Lile on Dec 13, 2011 10:50 AM CST up reply actions

I was more poking fun at the cowboys...

But yes, I agree about Lombardi.

"He punched the highlights out of her hair.... He punched the HIGHLIGHTS out of her hair!!!" -- Young Neil

by Tsudbury on Dec 13, 2011 11:02 AM CST up reply actions

Like the Cowboys, right?

by 1paniolo on Dec 13, 2011 12:11 PM CST up reply actions

Opps,

need to read rest of thread before posting! lol

by 1paniolo on Dec 13, 2011 12:11 PM CST up reply actions

Does he have some interns and massage therapists to throw under the bus while he's at it?

“Totally not my fault! It’s THEM!”

by Sugaa on Dec 13, 2011 9:07 AM CST up reply actions

Well, he took everyone else down.

Might as well take them too.

by Josh Lile on Dec 13, 2011 9:33 AM CST up reply actions

He should toss his wife in there too,

I’m sure she’s done something wrong.

by 1paniolo on Dec 13, 2011 12:13 PM CST up reply actions

And his cat.

All GMs have cats, right, like Mr. Bigglesworth?

by Sugaa on Dec 13, 2011 12:17 PM CST up reply actions

aaannnnnnnd NOW i'll have austin powers quotes in my head for the rest of the day.

thanks.

"He punched the highlights out of her hair.... He punched the HIGHLIGHTS out of her hair!!!" -- Young Neil

by Tsudbury on Dec 13, 2011 12:20 PM CST up reply actions

It can go with my mental image of Burke petting some sad, hairless critter while discussing the Bear Hug Rule.

Enjoy.

by Sugaa on Dec 13, 2011 12:24 PM CST up reply actions

Antti MissTheNettinen is back.

Le sigh… =)

Good times are here and Stars will take what belongs to them. Sooner or Later.

by Henri Muroke on Dec 13, 2011 11:36 AM CST reply actions

Picked up on Waivers by the Jets too...

That will be….interesting.

"He punched the highlights out of her hair.... He punched the HIGHLIGHTS out of her hair!!!" -- Young Neil

by Tsudbury on Dec 13, 2011 11:58 AM CST up reply actions

Hope he packed some mittens.

by Sugaa on Dec 13, 2011 12:00 PM CST up reply actions

lol ... there goes his vision of spending his

off time down at the beach!!

by 1paniolo on Dec 13, 2011 12:17 PM CST up reply actions

What's he going to do with all that sunscreen?

“Dammit, Antti, this is the last time. If you fill my skates with suntan lotion again I am throwing you under a Zamboni.”

by Sugaa on Dec 13, 2011 12:20 PM CST up reply actions

Im surprised anyone would touch that contract with a 10 foot pole considering the nmc

by can we get hatcher back on Dec 13, 2011 12:10 PM CST via mobile up reply actions

I'm amazed somebody wanted that contract!

Not exactly the same as picking Nabikov up for about the same $ like the Islanders.

Guess we get to see Antti a lot next year!

by 1paniolo on Dec 13, 2011 12:16 PM CST up reply actions

It is.

Well, he is going to a team where you can have some minutes, if you are up to that task.

Good times are here and Stars will take what belongs to them. Sooner or Later.

by Henri Muroke on Dec 13, 2011 1:34 PM CST up reply actions

Question about the Peg and Mittens.

Not that Stevie Y would be ammenable to this since they just got jacked by the Peg, but could they offer to trade him back to Tampa now and milk a few picks from them or once he’s picked up off the waiver wire is that it?

What the Puck?

by DirtyBrotenScoundrel on Dec 13, 2011 1:26 PM CST via mobile reply actions