Everything you need to know about Claude Julien's firing
Claude Julien used to be the NHL's longest-tenured head coach.
The 56-year-old was relieved of his duties by the Bruins on Tuesday morning, in his 10th season with the club. Julien departs Boston with an impressive 419-246-94 record - a .614 winning percentage - and a Stanley Cup ring won in 2011.
With Boston in danger of missing the playoffs for the third straight season, general manager Don Sweeney decided it's time to shake things up. Here's what you need to know about the league's latest coaching change:
- The Bruins sent out a release at 8 a.m. ET announcing Julien's firing, with assistant Bruce Cassidy taking over on an interim basis, and through the remainder of the season. Read more.
- Julien lost his job because you can't get rid of an entire team. Sweeney and Bruins president Cam Neely deserve the majority of blame for the Bruins' plight, as the roster is full of holes. Read more.
Julien makes sense for Golden Knights
- Julien leaves with the Bruins ranking first in the NHL in puck possession, getting the most out of his roster after difficult - and sometimes curious -decisions that were made following the 2011 Cup win. Based on his resume, put him atop the list of candidates for the expansion opening in Las Vegas. Read more.
5 teams that should replace their current coach with Julien
- If Julien wants to get to work again immediately, he could be an improvement - and an option - for a number of teams should they decide to go the Bruins route. Read more.
Sweeney wants response to 'different voice'
- Julien was the man in the Bruins' dressing room for a very long time, a lifetime in coach years, and Sweeney believes that was part of the issue. He wants to see how his club responds "to a different voice." Read more.
Sweeney: Next 3 games loom large
- Sweeney's goal remains the same: the Bruins must make the playoffs. With the club's bye week approaching, the GM said he'll be watching his team's next three games very closely. Read more.
Odds set on Bruins' next coach
- Oddsmakers are giving interim coach Cassidy the inside track to the full-time job, with Gerard Gallant and Ken Hitchcock behind him. Read more.
Marchand: Firing was 'avoidable'
- Brad Marchand was straight and to the point: "It's very disappointing and frustrating in (the dressing room) because this is avoidable if we would have done our jobs." Read more.
Babcock: (Julien's) a "hell of a coach"
- Mike Babcock weighed in on the move: "Good man. Even better coach. Someone out there is happy today." It's clear the Toronto head coach believes Julien will soon have another gig. Read more.
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