Hitchcock has been fired

[Jasmine]

https://www.nhl.com/news/ken-hitchcock-fired-as-coach-of-st-louis/c-286333048

[SomeGuyNamedRob]

I doubt this comes as a surprise to many. I actually expected this to happen after the Blues exited the playoffs last year.

[Josh]

Wow, this caught me by surprise. There's a lot in that article too.. Armstrong talks about considering Hitch one of his best friends. And yet.. he doesn't provide any real tangible reason for the firing, nor does he present any indication of how he expects things to change under Yeo. All he says is that it won't make sense but they don't lose with pride. Pretty cryptic. He also makes no mention at all of Jim Corsi, the goalie coach he let go.

[Josh]

Whatever the case, the Blues really do have way too much talent to not be a top team. Something needs to change their for sure.

[SomeGuyNamedRob]

Wow, this caught me by surprise. There's a lot in that article too.. Armstrong talks about considering Hitch one of his best friends. And yet.. he doesn't provide any real tangible reason for the firing, nor does he present any indication of how he expects things to change under Yeo. All he says is that it won't make sense but they don't lose with pride. Pretty cryptic. He also makes no mention at all of Jim Corsi, the goalie coach he let go.

"The Blues finished first or second in the Central Division in each of Hitchcock's four full seasons. They lost 5-3 to the Winnipeg Jets on Tuesday and are fourth in the division with 53 points (24-21-5) this season."

That's why.

[Jasmine]

Martin Brodeur and Ty Conklin to coach the goalies - NHL.com

[Josh]

"The Blues finished first or second in the Central Division in each of Hitchcock's four full seasons. They lost 5-3 to the Winnipeg Jets on Tuesday and are fourth in the division with 53 points (24-21-5) this season."

That's why.

That kind of success has to buy some loyalty though, right?

[Dean Ambrose]

Loyalty doesn't make the playoffs.

That said, Armstrong is probably the one feeling the heat.

[thedaigle1]

Man I thought I was mad at Jake Allen for killing my keeper team but yeah. Goaltending cost Hitch his job. Bummer. Mike Yeo will do well with this roster though. I hope Allen and Hutton figure it our. Copley also has a very bright future.

[SomeGuyNamedRob]

That kind of success has to buy some loyalty though, right?

Coaches are hired to be fired. Even if the overall record is positive, the perception of failure is enough for loyalty to no longer be enough.