Post by StarsGM on Apr 30, 2007 16:29:05 GMT -5
DALLAS, TX -- Dave Tippett (coach) was fired by the Dallas Stars today, one day after players blamed the coach for the team's collapse in the first 3 games of the season.
With players complaining and the team sputtering its way out of playoff contention, Tippett had to go. General manager Doug Armstrong said veteran players lost respect for Tippett.
"We just felt that there was no way of being able to heal the wounds that had developed between the coach and the players in the early part of this season," Armstrong said.
Assistant coaches Mark Lamb and Rick Wilson also were fired. Armstrong said Tippett would be offered another job in the organization. Tippett had a great total record of 190-95-47 with the stars, but an 11-18 record in the playoffs. He was hired in 2002.
"We have let down the city, the fans and the players, but their is still time to regroup and win a few games" Armstrong said.
The Stars were 53-23-6 last year, but this year is a totally different situation. The team has lost its opening 3 games and Armstrong doesn't see the team going anywhere with Tippett behind the bench.
Tippett was criticized Monday by several players, including Eric Lindros and Mike Modano.
"We have the worst record in the league, why are we not doing something about it?" Lindros said.
"All Dave would do was yell at us from the bench when we would do something wrong."
"I don't think it's all Dave's fault," Armstrong said. "Unfortunately, you can't trade all the players."
"All he ever said was "work harder,"' Goalie Turco said. "We needed a game plan to somehow counter what the other team was doing. Tippett had no plan"
President of the Stars James Lites says Armstrong's job is safe for now. GM Doug Armstrong will take over behind the bench for the Stars next game against L.A and he says possibly for the rest of the season if he cannot find a replacement.
With players complaining and the team sputtering its way out of playoff contention, Tippett had to go. General manager Doug Armstrong said veteran players lost respect for Tippett.
"We just felt that there was no way of being able to heal the wounds that had developed between the coach and the players in the early part of this season," Armstrong said.
Assistant coaches Mark Lamb and Rick Wilson also were fired. Armstrong said Tippett would be offered another job in the organization. Tippett had a great total record of 190-95-47 with the stars, but an 11-18 record in the playoffs. He was hired in 2002.
"We have let down the city, the fans and the players, but their is still time to regroup and win a few games" Armstrong said.
The Stars were 53-23-6 last year, but this year is a totally different situation. The team has lost its opening 3 games and Armstrong doesn't see the team going anywhere with Tippett behind the bench.
Tippett was criticized Monday by several players, including Eric Lindros and Mike Modano.
"We have the worst record in the league, why are we not doing something about it?" Lindros said.
"All Dave would do was yell at us from the bench when we would do something wrong."
"I don't think it's all Dave's fault," Armstrong said. "Unfortunately, you can't trade all the players."
"All he ever said was "work harder,"' Goalie Turco said. "We needed a game plan to somehow counter what the other team was doing. Tippett had no plan"
President of the Stars James Lites says Armstrong's job is safe for now. GM Doug Armstrong will take over behind the bench for the Stars next game against L.A and he says possibly for the rest of the season if he cannot find a replacement.
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