DavidPratt_ wrote:As much as people make fun of Bob Clarke (I happen to be one of them) let's not forget a few things:
1. The Flyers have consistently made the playoffs the last several years
2. The Flyers have an impressive group of drafted young players (Richards, Carter, Niittymaki) that teams like the Canucks would kill for. Let's not forget that the Flyers have consistently drafted later than other teams due to their successful regular seasons.
3. Clarke has been the GM of teams who have made it to the Cup finals twice in Philadelphia, once in Minnesota (with the Stars), and even the team he initially built - the Florida Panthers went to the finals after he left the team to go back to Philadelphia.
Yes, I know the guy has always been well-bankrolled by the Snider family in Philadelphia but you can't argue with the record above. It was obvious based on his erratic behaviour (recent NHL draft and his crazy move to acquire Ryan Kesler) that he has either started to develop Alzheimer's or he has just lost it. Having said that - the guy has been successful.
dp
I can argue the record. When you've been around as many years as Clarke, you're bound to go a long way every once in a while. Its like the monkey at the typewriter; he'll type an actual word every now and then. He's had lots of money to work with, an owner who's given him a ton of rope, and the leverage of being a legend in Philly from his playing days.
How many coaches has he gone through? How many goalies has he gone through? I think he's been a disaster and has come off looking very unintelligent on many occasions. Yes the drafting has been good as of late, but lets face it, drafting is a function of your scouting staff. If they say a player is a can't-miss, you draft him. They do the work, you take the glory.
But even better than having Clarke out the door is the fact that Hitch is gone. I've never liked his coaching style in the NHL. When I think of guys who have killed the game, I think of him first, even before guys like Jacques Lemaire. Guys like Hitch try to take as much out of the player's hands as possible. If you don't want Brett Hull on your team, then ask to get him moved; don't turn him into a defense-first backchecker! As a coach, Hitch is a one-trick pony. Not much ability to adapt to the strengths of his personnel. I don't take joy in people losing their jobs, but I 'm glad he's been removed from the league for the time being. I just can't stand his mentality.