In the wake of the Penguins cutting ties with associate coach Todd Reirden yesterday, the majority of the team’s fan base appears to be rejoicing. Many are gloating over Reirden’s fate, labelling him a bum…or worse.
For those who share that opinion of the now former Pens associate coach, I suggest you read Seth Rorabaugh’s outstanding article on the Tribune Review titled, “Penguins fire associate coach Todd Reirden.”
Seth penetrates the shroud that sometimes separates public opinion from fact and provides an insightful and even touching behind-the-scenes look at a coach who took his duties very seriously and tried his very best.
Although I’m going to borrow heavily from Seth’s article, especially the quotes he gleaned during his interviews, I urge you to read his piece.
First, a history lesson. Back in 2011, then-Pens GM Ray Shero acquired a young defenseman named Matt Niskanen from Dallas as a thrown-in in the James Neal-for-Alex Goligoski swap. Following a solid rookie campaign that saw him merit Calder Trophy consideration, Niskanen had his confidence literally torn down to the floorboards by hard-line Stars coach Marc Crawford.
