A year after the Florida Panthers recorded their best regular season in franchise history, the team dismissed head coach Gerard Gallant after just 22 games. The move was announced Sunday night after the defending Atlantic Division champions dropped to 11-10-1 on the season with a 3-2 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes. They currently sit in 10th place in the Eastern Conference.
General Manger Tom Rowe will step down from the position for the time being to coach the team for the remainder of the season. His first game was Tuesday night in Chicago against the Blackhawks. The Panthers dropped that game in a shootout, 2-1.
Florida's president and CEO Matthew Caldwell stated "we've been unhappy with the inconsistent performance" as an explanation for the decision. While owner Vincent J. Viola added "in seeking to earn a second consecutive playoff berth, and bring a Stanley Cup to south Florida, we believe new leadership is required immediately."
Rowe becomes the Panthers 14th head coach in its history, and the fifth head coach for the team in the last five years. The GM was promoted to that position in mid-May.
Gallant spent two-plus seasons with the team, going 96-65-25 during that time.
General Manger Tom Rowe will step down from the position for the time being to coach the team for the remainder of the season. His first game was Tuesday night in Chicago against the Blackhawks. The Panthers dropped that game in a shootout, 2-1.
Florida's president and CEO Matthew Caldwell stated "we've been unhappy with the inconsistent performance" as an explanation for the decision. While owner Vincent J. Viola added "in seeking to earn a second consecutive playoff berth, and bring a Stanley Cup to south Florida, we believe new leadership is required immediately."
Rowe becomes the Panthers 14th head coach in its history, and the fifth head coach for the team in the last five years. The GM was promoted to that position in mid-May.
Gallant spent two-plus seasons with the team, going 96-65-25 during that time.
