The Florida Panthers Lost Their Match-Up With the Chicago Blackhawks Tuesday Night in a Shootout. This Loss Is the First Game After Firing Former Head Coach Gerard Gallant and Replacing Him With GM Tom Rowe. Florida Now Faces an Uphill Battle to Match Last Year’s Performance.
The Florida Panthers traveled to the Windy City to take on the Chicago Blackhawks in their first game under a new interim bench boss/General Manager Tom Rowe. They wound up dropping the game in a 2-1 shootout loss.
Just a couple of days earlier, the Panthers relieved former head coach Gerard Gallant of his duties. Gallant’s firing came as a shock to many and has caused a bit of controversy among the sports community.
Out With The Old, In With The New Florida Panthers Coach
The Panthers fell to the Hurricanes, 3-2, on Nov. 27 in a heated game. Florida gained an early lead in the first period with two goals but the Hurricanes answered back in the second period to take the lead.
The former coach was fired immediately after the team’s loss and never made it to the team bus. Social media lit up with reports that the Florida Panthers forced the former coach to take a taxi home.
It was confirmed that Gallant called for a taxi after rejecting the Panthers’ offer to call a car. Rowe stated the following day that Gallant will be reimbursed for taxi fare.
The situation has caused quite the stir among in the hockey community because of how Gallant was treated. Despite the team wanting to move on from the situation, the criticism might last a little longer.
General Manager Rowe also announced that he would be taking the vacant coaching position behind the bench. Rowe has a history with coaching and will assume the position until decided otherwise.
Coach Rowe’s Debut
As mentioned, the Blackhawks managed to edge the Panthers in a close 2-1 shootout on Tuesday night.
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While the Hawks grabbed an early lead in the first period, Panthers forward Jaromir Jagr was able to tie the game just 35 seconds into the third period. However, even after forcing overtime, the Panthers still only managed to squeeze out a single point.
After the game, Rowe stated that he was proud of his team and content with the one overtime point. Rowe wants to get the Panthers winning again and believes this is the start of new play.
The Rest of the Season
Rowe plans on standing behind the bench for the duration of the season. Though it is too early to tell what kind of impact a coaching change can have on the team, the switch is sure to give the Panthers some extra energy.
The hockey community is still surprised by Gallant’s firing especially after his big success and contract extension last season but the surprise will pass. Perhaps a coaching change can spark a new determination for the Panthers. It wouldn’t be the first time a new coach has led a team to big victories.
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Regardless, Rowe will get an even better sense of his team by getting in the locker room with them. The combination of a GM and coaching role will be a new one for Rowe but can have its benefits if handled correctly.
Rowe plans on revitalizing the Panthers and bringing them to new heights this season. If he can pull it off, it will be a sight to see.