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Florida Panthers: Not so Gallant

Big Kaluwski
Nov 28, 2016
2 min read

Sunday evening, 1 hour after a 3-2 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes, Florida coach Gerard Gallant was literally left out in the cold, and throw to the curb. A nice "thank you" from Florida management to last years Jack Adams finalist, and a coach that had brought respectability back to the Panthers. That 103 point season last year, means nothing. The W 96- L 65- OTL 25 record he is now gone and forgotten.

I understand that NHL coaches come and go, and get fired all the time. However, this termination has to go down as one of the strangest, and in my mind, one of the most classless firing's by an NHL organization.A flustered Gallant, calling a taxi, waiting outside the hotel, with reporters surrounding him. For someone as proud and "Gallant" as Gerard, it must of been hard.

Now I have been a big fan of Gallant's. From his playing career with Detroit and Tampa Bay, to being a head coach in the QJMHL with the Saint Jean Sea Dogs, as well as his time as an assistant coach with the Montreal Canadiens. Gallant is a players coach. He demands alot from his players, but it is that "tough love" that often get's results. His old school mentality apparently clashed with Florida's new GM Tom Rowe. When the GM and the coach clash, things usually don't turn out well for the coach.

It was not like the Panthers were having a bad season. Yes, they have started the season with an W 11 L 10 OTL 1 record, but considering all the injuries that this team has had, they still are competitive. It will be interesting to see how players will react to this move. Gallant is appreciated by his players, especially Jonathan Hurberdeau. (who he coached in juniors) So once Huberdeau get's back from injury, what will happen?

There is no doubt in my mind that Gallant will find another NHL team to coach. If I was a betting man, I would expect him to become the first coach of the Las Vegas Golden Knights. A fresh start for Gallant! The NHL can be a cruel beast. However, that doesn't mean that chivalry and gallantry should be dead. Take head Florida, this is one anti-gallant decision, with could lead the team to a down spiral that could result in the team being in the basement of the league. So for that, Florida Management, you are the first recipient of "Big Kaluwski's Thumbs Down" award.