Coach firings are way of life in NHL
Panthers typify league by making Boughner sixth coach in seven years.
As the Florida Panthers introduce another new head coach, in this case former NHL defenseman Bob Boughner, I turn once more to the three things that were taught to me when first covering the sport in South Florida’s expansion season of 1993-94.
First, a good nickname will get you a long way in hockey. Boughner, pronounced BOOGnur, was known as The Boogieman in his days as a player with Buffalo, Nashville, Pittsburgh, Calgary and, oh, just about every other team in the league.
Second, it’s a good thing when your goalie is standing on his head. This is hockey talk. It need bear no relation to reality.
Third, things happen in an almighty hurry in the NHL, especially when it comes to the hiring and firing of head coaches.
This makes six of them in the past seven years for the Panthers, who are doing the near impossible by keeping pace with Miami Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria.
Way back in 2000, the Panthers were playing New Jersey in the first round of the playoffs, and I was doing my best to appear somewhat knowledgeable in preview coverage of the series. Hockey is not my sport. Having grown up in South Florida, it is barely my planet. Still, it was so far so good until the Devils fired their head coach, Robbie Ftorek, with eight games remaining in the regular season and the playoffs just ahead.
New Jersey was first in the