The Nashville Predators fired head coach Peter Laviolette and Associate Coach Kevin McCarthy Monday evening.
The team made the announcement in a post on Twitter and on the team’s website.
#Preds relieve Peter Laviolette, Kevin McCarthy of coaching duties. https://t.co/I34a5DVM8v
— Nashville Predators (@PredsNHL) January 6, 2020
Predators General Manager David Poile commented on the firing in the article released on the website.
“Under the leadership of Peter and Kevin, our organization reached unprecedented heights – from our franchise-altering run to the Stanley Cup Final to a Presidents’ Trophy and our first two Central Division titles,” Poile said. “Their passion for the game, ability to motivate a team and drive to be the best makes this a difficult decision. On behalf of the entire organization, I would like to thank Peter and Kevin for all their contributions to the Nashville Predators over the past five-and-a-half seasons.”
Laviolette was in the middle of his sixth year as head coach. McCarthy had been part of Laviolette’s coaching staff throughout his NHL career.
The Predators currently hold a 19-15-7 record and are coming off a California road trip where they won in regulation against the Los Angeles Kings and lost in a shoot out to the Anaheim Ducks. They currently sit at sixth in the Central Division and a four points out of a Wild Card spot.
The sudden departure comes four days after a bad loss in the Winter Classic in Dallas.
In the Predators’ first ever appearance in an outdoor game, the team took an early 2-0 lead in the first period, but the Dallas Stars came back with one goal in the second period and three in the third period to win the game 4-2. The Winter Classic saw defender Ryan Ellis — who is currently second on the team in assists — leave the game in the first five minutes after a high elbow from Corey Perry. It was also yet another poor outing by star goaltender Pekka Rinne, who is having his worst year since entering the NHL.
Many have considered the 2019-2020 season to be a disappointment, considering the team’s recent success and signing of star center Matt Duchene over the summer.
The team has not announced who the interim head coach will be.
Adam Vingan with The Athletic says the coach for the Predators game against the Boston Bruins Tuesday is considered ‘TBD.’
No interim coach has been named. As for who will coach the Predators tomorrow, it’s “TBA,” I’m told.
— Adam Vingan (@AdamVingan) January 6, 2020
Poile told the Midday 180 in Nashville on January 2 that he was not considering a coaching change. It’s unclear what changed.
#Preds GM David Poile tells us he is not expecting to make a coaching change.
“I’m not contemplating making a coaching change at this time.”
– Poile is meeting w/ staff to determine outlook for this season to determine if they’re sellers at deadline.
“I am open for business.”— The Midday 180 (@Midday180) January 2, 2020
This is a developing story. We’ll have further updates for you as we get them, as well as more analysis over the next few days of what this means for the Predators now and going forward.