firing therrien is NOT the answer needed.

My worst fears about Pens GM Ray Shero have come true. I knew eventually it would come to the termination of Michel Therrien as head coach, but its not the solution. Why it was only two weeks ago that Shero stated in a press conference that Therrien is a great coach and has the full support of the administration and that the rough patches for the Pens always end up turning around under Coach Therrien. Yet, here we are. I understand why some people are quick to defend Shero. Many fans didn't like Therrien for his emotionless style and blunt, honest statements. But for anyone who has played any puck at all, you know he is the exact coach that you want your players to be around. This is the guy who does what it takes to win and will make whatever changes necessary within his power to do so. Satan isn't playing up to potential? Fine, bench him or stick him on the 4th line. This was Therrien's M.O. from day one and I for one thought it was refreshingly genuine for the game and for the Penguins. Therrien has not changed his style of coaching from last year when he led the team to the Stanley Cup Finals. I understand that when a change is needed something has to be done. When the Pens are losing 5-1 in the 2nd period, and Therrien pulled Fleury, even though none of the goals were his fault, some change is needed to spark energy. While Fluery is not at fault, sometimes you just need a change of pace/scenery/whatever you want to call it. Unfortunately, in today's day and age, when a team is struggling, it is much easier to point at the coach for the blame and punish him then the players. Therefore, Therrien got the boot Sunday evening before the Pens' afternoon game against the Isles. Like I said, Therrien is the same coach and employs the same methods as he did last year when they almost took home the Cup. This year, he tried doing everything from changing the lines mid-game to bringing up AHL players; nothing worked. The blame for this season ultimately falls on 1. the players for not working together as well and 2. Ray Shero for making terrible off-season acquisitions. In the end, the players have to provide the energy and spark and talent to win games; Therrien cannot make them go out there and score goals. When push comes to shove, its up to the forwards, defensemen, and goaltenders. I feel when all of this is said and done, Ray Shero will regret making this decision. While I understand about change being needed and that Therrien will ultimately have to shoulder the blame for the Pens performance, anyone who knows hockey knows this is not Therrien's doing. Unfortunately, the coaches are the first ones to get axed when something goes wrong. It is not right, in any sport, for the blame to be placed solely on the shoulders of the coach all the time, but this is the life of professional sports, and like it or not, they are businesses that are only interested in winning, which keeps the fans coming back and paying money. Dan Bylsma I can assure you is not the answer, at least this season. I expect the Pens to make some drastic moves before the trade deadline March 4th. I think it is only right to show the fans that Therrien is not solely to blame for this debacle of a season. As Paul Steigerwald and Bob Errey, Pens in-game announcers, were getting into the elevator of their hotel the night before the Isles afternoon game, Therrien came walking out of it with suitcase in hand. Paul asked Michel "where you going, Mike?", to which Therrien responded: "I'm going home." With his head held high, Paul said, he said that and walked out the door the same way he came in; a confident coach with plenty to offer. Therrien will quickly find another team, as he is a valuable asset as a coach, every team knows this. As for Bylsma and the Pens, time will tell, but no matter what side you take on this matter, the fact remains that letting Therrien go is NOT going to be the single solution to a team that has many problems this year.