Anaheim Ducks vs. Ottawa Senators: Opponent Preview

Oct 25, 2013; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Ottawa Senators coach Paul MacLean speaks to his team during a break in action in the third period against the Anaheim Ducks at the Canadian Tire Centre. The Ducks defeated the Senators 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports

2. Paul MacLean was the first coach in the NHL this season to get fired, with Ottawa sporting an 11-11-5 record through 27 games at the time of his firing. MacLean was just two years removed from winning the Jack Adams as the best coach in the NHL during the lockout season. What factors contributed to MacLean losing his job, especially since the Senators were just four points out of a playoff spot at the time of the firing? Also, what are the differences in coaching styles and philosophies between MacLean and new head coach Dave Cameron?

Jack: Obviously, the Paul MacLean firing may have come as a bit of a surprise to the rest of the NHL. Here in Ottawa, I think we knew it was coming. MacLean had some really strange player usage and deployment last season, both in line combos and TOI. It has also been said that MacLean developed an ego in his latter days in Ottawa. Bryan Murray was quoted as saying “the players like the old Paul” this off-season, and when “old Paul” didn’t show up, he was fired.

As for Dave Cameron, I still believe it’s too early to tell. We haven’t seen any drastic changes since the move, and we’re still waiting to see.