Tag: NHL

San Jose Sharks podcast with Mary Lisa: Quinn’s first task is to get chemistry going for a post season team

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

San Jose Sharks David Quinn addresses the media at SAP Center in San Jose during the introductory press conference on Wed Jul 27, 2022 (photo by nhl.com)

On Headline Sports with Michael Roberson:

#1 Mary, this week San Jose Sharks general manager Mike Grier hired new head coach David Quinn who has experience as a head coach at Boston University and the New York Rangers bringing that experience to San Jose what are some of the expectations of Quinn going into the new job and the new season?

#2 Grier has made some big moves since taking over as general manager including moving Brent Burns. Grier will continue to work with Mark Eduard Vlasic who lost some speed and who was once being considered to go on the trade block.

#3 Mary, the Sharks are are going into camp with six goalies on the top of that list are Kaapo Kahkonen, James Reimer, and Aaron Dell with decent talent like this it presents a pretty good situation in goal for San Jose.

#4 One of the key factors for Quinn at the helm is to get the Sharks into post season they struggled to get a playoff birth but couldn’t get enough wins to get a playoff birth how much work do you see Quinn having in front of him to make it happen?

#5 Is it a question for Quinn to get the Sharks to be a faster team and to get them to score and outskate a lot of NHL teams that they had troubles with over the last few years?

Mary Lisa filled in for Michael Roberson who does Headline Sports Wednesdays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Mike Grier hires David Quinn as new head coach of the San Jose Sharks

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Newly hired head coach David Quinn of the San Jose Sharks and general manager Mike Grier hold up Quinn’s jersey at his introductory press conference at the SAP Center on Tuesday JUL 26, 2022. (Sports Radio Service)

by Marko Ukalovic

SAN JOSE — Today it became official, the San Jose Sharks have a new captain to steer the ship.

General manager Mike Greier introduced David Quinn as the team’s tenth head coach in franchise history at a press conference on Tuesday morning at SAP Center.

Quinn replaces Bob Boughner, who was let go along with his staff on July 1st, as the new bench boss in charge of a team that has missed the playoffs for three consecutive years.

“David has successfully coached at several different levels in his hockey career, including with Team USA on the international stage at the Olympics and leading the team at the World Championships to the Bronze Medal game. His experience in developing young players as a head coach at Boston University and at the NHL level over the last few seasons has proven to be effective,” Grier said.

Quinn, 55, most recently served as head coach for Team USA at both the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing and 2022 World Championship. Quinn guided Team USA to a fourth-place finish at the World Championship and helped lead the youngest team in the Olympics to a perfect preliminary round record before suffering a shootout loss in the quarterfinals.

“My coaching philosophy has always been relationship driven,” said Quinn. “I don’t care what you do in life, if you don’t have a connection to the people that you’re leading, whether you’re the manager of an office or coaching a hockey team, you’re not going to get the most out of people. It’s been the foundation of my coaching philosophy.”

Quinn’s last and first head coaching stint in the NHL was from 2018-2021 when he coached the New York Rangers where he compiled a 97-87-25 record and led the team in the qualification round of the playoffs in the 2019-20 campaign.

Quinn’s relationship with Grier goes back a long way as both are former alums of Boston University. Quinn coached BU from 2013-18 before being hired by New York and went 105-69-21 under his direction.

“I think it’s just the cherry on top, trying to get more (Boston University) Terriers out west,” Grier joked about whether the BU connection had any factor in the hiring of Quinn. “It came down to that David (Quinn) was the best candidate for the job.”

Quinn said he hasn’t picked out who his assistant coaches will be, but he hopes to make that decision soon as well as get to know his players in the next coming days.

San Jose has overhauled its roster by bringing in new players such as Nico Sturm and Oscar Lindblom as well as traded star defenseman Brent Burns to the Carolina Hurricanes since Grier has been in charge of the team the past three weeks.

San Jose Sharks podcast with Len Shapiro: Sharks to name Quinn as head coach in Tuesday press conference

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

David Quinn who will be named as head coach in a Tue Jul 26, 2022 press conference is pictured here when he was head coach of the New York Rangers in a game against the Pittsburgh Penguins at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh on Mar 21, 2021 (AP News file photo)

On the SJ Sharks podcast with Len:

#1 The San Jose Sharks have all but announced that they’ll be hiring David Quinn as their new head coach as sources say Quinn has already signed with the Sharks and a press conference for his introduction is expected on Tuesday.

#2 The deal is expected to be a three year contract and Quinn is expected to play a big role in the development of new players, free agents, and draft picks.

#3 This will be the first time that Quinn will be head coach since the 2021 season when he was behind the bench for the New York Rangers where he went 96-87-25.

#4 When Sharks former head coach Todd McClellan was let go by the Sharks Quinn was reportedly deep into the interview process for the Sharks head coaching job but the Sharks settled on Peter DeBoer. Second times the charm for Quinn.

#5 Quinn’s background also includes being a head coach at the University of Boston and had success there before heading onto the NHL.

Len Shapiro is an NHL analyst for http://www.sportsradioservice.com

San Jose Sharks podcast with Len Shapiro: Grier wasting no time cleaning house in San Jose

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Former San Jose Shark Brent Burns traded to the Carolina Hurricanes in exchange of two players on Wed Jul 13, 2022 was some of a few new moves that general manager Mike Grier has made since taking over (AP News file photo)

On the San Jose Sharks podcast with Len:

#1 New San Jose Sharks general manager Mike Grier has definitely made his presence known with changing at head of scouting out with Doug Wilson Jr and in with Doug Weight and Wednesday with Brent Burns to Carolina for forwards Steven Lorentz and goaltender prospect Eetu Makinemi and a conditional 2023 third round pick.

#2 The Hurricanes will pick up 66% of Burns contract while the Sharks have 34% of the remaining contract.

#3 Grier said that he wants to go a little bit younger. Grier said Burns had a great career and wishes him good luck.

#4 Grier said at one time he was in Burn’s position and said Burns has a better chance to win a cup with Carolina.

#5 Burns waived his no trade clause saying it was sad leaving San Jose leaving teammates, the city, fans, and said it’s just exciting to go to Carolina.

Len is an analyst on NHL podcasts for http://www.sportsradioservice.com

San Jose Sharks report by Mary Walsh: Sharks Hire Mike Grier as GM

Published on by M WalshLeave a comment

San Jose Sharks general manager Mike Grier addresses the news media at SAP Center in San Jose on Tue, Jul 5, 2022 (photo from nhl.com)

By Mary Walsh

SAN JOSE- The San Jose Sharks announced on Tuesday that they have hired Mike Grier as the team’s fifth General Manager. Grier has the distinction of being the first African American to serve as a general manager in the NHL. Last season, he was a hockey operations advisor for the New York Rangers. His playing career spanned 1,060 games with the Oilers, the Capitals, the Sabres and the Sharks. He was an assistant coach at  St. Sebastian’s Prep School in Massachusetts, a scout with the Chicago Blackhawks, an assistant coach with the New Jersey Devils, and a member of USA Hockey’s selection committee.

Grier has a lot to do before the start of the season. In two days, the Sharks will be at the NHL Draft. The Sharks also need a new coaching staff. The Sharks have missed the playoffs for three seasons in a row. Asked what his priorities were for improving the team, Grier said:

“I think we can improve in every facet, to be honest with you. There are some pieces on the roster that we like, that we would like to build around. But I think, overall, there’s not one spot in particular that I think needs work. The draft is No. 1, then we’ve got free agency coming up. We’ll have to dig into that, and Joe and I have already started on that a bit. Then development camp and a coach.”

While Grier did not have specific details to present on the draft or the coaching search, he did talk in detail about his goals for the team culture:

“To me it’s about people… Surrounding yourself with the right people, people who are passionate about their job, who love their job and are selfless, team-first people. That’s what culture means to me and as a general manager it’s for me to find those types of players on the ice and also surround myself with those type of hockey people in our hockey operations department.”

Sharks owner, Hasso Plattner, said in a press release: “Mike’s successful career on the ice speaks for itself, but what impressed me the most were his leadership qualities and his overwhelming desire to win. Mike is aware of the high standards of success that are expected in San Jose and is committed to help us quickly return to that level.”

Grier comes from a family of professional sports executives. His father, Bobby, worked in scouting, player personnel and as an advisor to the New England Patriots and the Houston Texans of the NFL. Grier’s brother, Chris, is the general manager of the Miami Dolphins. Grier described how his father prepared them for their future in the sports business:

“I think the main thing my father instilled in us was his work ethic. The time he put in, he’d often be off to work before we left for school. Sometimes he wouldn’t get home until after dinner or when we were ready to get in bed. So, just the time and effort it took, and his belief that you treat people the right way. If you want to have a winning franchise, it starts with how you treat people. His ability to never leave a stone unturned. Like he would stay up to all hours or go scout wherever it took, whatever he had to do to get the job done.”

Mary Lisa is a San Jose Sharks beat writer for http://www.sportsradioservice.com

San Jose Sharks podcast with Marko Ukalovic: Mike Grier first black general manager in NHL history; Grier will start looking for a head coach

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

From left to right San Jose Sharks assistant general manager Joe Will, general manager Mike Grier, and team president Jonathan Becher meets with the media on Tue Jul 5, 2022 at SAP Center in San Jose (photo from CNN News)

On the San Jose Sharks podcast:

#1 The San Jose Sharks hired the NHL’s first black general coach Mike Grier, Grier makes history and Grier has been around the game as a player, coach, scout and executive.

#2 The Sharks say he will have overall authority regarding all aspects of hockey operations

#3 In his 14 years in the NHL and 1,000 games Grier played three years with the Sharks. He also was the team’s alternate captain during his time with the Sharks.

#4 In the three years with the Sharks Grier scored 78 points, 35 goals, and 43 assists proving his offensive prowess and ability.

#5 Grier said he will work hard to build up the club that has not made the playoffs in three years. Grier said he remembers Sharks fans for their passion and support of the team making SAP Center one of the most difficult buildings to play in.

Marko Ukalovic is a beat writer for the San Jose Sharks AHL affiliate the San Jose Barracuda at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

San Jose Sharks podcast with Len Shapiro: NHL draft is days away who will guide the ship for SJ?

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

San Jose Sharks defenceman Marc-Edouard Vlasic might have his contract bought out as the team feels his talents have declined . Vlasic feels he can help another team with more playing time. (file photo from USA Today)

On the Sharks podcast with Len Shapiro:

#1 Len, with former San Jose Sharks head coach Bob Boughner, and assistants John McLean and John Madden all departed the Sharks have another task and that’s trying to fill their jobs with the NHL draft coming around the corner on July 7th.

#2 The Sharks had a number of games where they were struggling but not enough where the Sharks could have worked some off season deals that could have kept Boughner and his staff on board. Do you think the Sharks could have given Boughner another season to see if things would work out?

#3 Scott Mellanby was a finalist for the general manager’s job but dropped out and that leaves two top candidates Ray Whitney and Mike Grier two former NHL players and two former Sharks. Grier and Whitney looks like the finalists for the job which direction do you see the Sharks going and what are the strengths of Whitney and Grier if they step into the general manager’s role.

#4 There’s talk that the Sharks might buy out defenseman Marc-Edouard Vlasic’s contract saying that his talents have faded, that his value has declined and in a post game interview after the last game of the season Vlasic said “imagine if I could play more” does he have enough talent to stay in the NHL at this point.

#5 With the Sharks possibly about to make a general manager announcement they need to get a head coach in place with just a few days left before the draft that’s a short window to get that decided and see what is in front of them for the NHL draft.

Len Shapiro does the San Jose Sharks podcasts at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Sharks Part Ways With Boughner, Coaching Staff

Published on by M WalshLeave a comment

San Jose Sharks head coach Bob Boughner (right) and assistant coach John Madden (left) talks to the team on Sun Nov 28, 2021 against the Chicago Blackhawks at the United Center in Chicago. The Sharks fired Boughner and his assistant coaches on Fri Jul 1, 2022 no replacements have been disclosed yet. (AP News file photo)

By Mary Walsh

The San Jose Sharks have parted ways with Head Coach Bob Boughner and most of the coaching staff. The announcement came on Thursday, a week before the NHL draft begins. The Sharks announcement read, in part:

“Interim General Manager Joe Will announced today that team has relieved Head Coach Bob Boughner, Assistant Coaches John Madden and John MacLean, and Assistant video Coach, Dan Darrow of their responsibilities.”

No replacements have been named at this time, just as no replacement for Doug Wilson has been named yet. The Sharks announcement continued, saying:

“it has become apparent that the organization is in the process of an evolution,” said Will. “The bottom line is we have missed the playoffs for the past three seasons, which isn’t acceptable to our owner, our organization, or to our fans. As part of this evolution and evaluation, we felt it was in the best interest of the club to allow the next Sharks general manager to have full autonomy related to the make-up of the on-ice coaching staff moving ahead.”

It would be difficult to argue with this logic, but it is also difficult to ignore the timing. With no coaching staff and only an acting General Manager, the team appears deep in limbo with the 2022 draft fast approaching.

The Sharks concluded their announcement by thanking the coaching staff and recognizing that they worked hard despite unusual challenges that they faced with the team. They concluded by saying: “This change is not an indictment of their performance as much as it is a recognition of the complete organizational reset that we feel is in the best interest of the team at this point.”

The draft will start on July 7.

NHL Stanley Cup Finals podcast with Len Shapiro: Avalanche hoist Stanley Cup after 21 years of waiting; Aves defeat Lightning in game six 2-1

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

On the NHL Stanley Cup Finals with Len:

#1 Len talk about how important Nathan McKinnon was in this game that was just completed game 6. McKinnon scored a goal and got an assist helping the Colorado Avalanche become the Stanley Cup Champions for the third time in franchise history.

#2 Len it’s been a long time coming the Avalanche haven’t won the Cup since 2002 some 21 years ago when they had a guy named Joe Sakic was on the team.

#3 Close game tonight the Aves held the lead and goaltender Darcy Kuemper stopped 22 out of 23 shots to hold back the Tampa Bay Lightning 2-1.

#4 The Lightning will not threepeat something they came within one game of doing losing on their home ice 4-2 in series play.

#5 Len talk about some of the key players on the Aves key players who have been doing it all season and post season long McKinnon, Gabriel Landeskog, Mikko Rantanen and Cale Makar.

Join Len next season (September) for NHL podcast coverage. Also our thanks for reporters who contributed to our NHL coverage this season Marko Ukalovic, Mary Lisa Walsh, Morris Phillips, Daniel Dullum and Matt Harrington as heard on http://www.sportsradioservice.com

NHL Stanley Cup Finals podcast with Matt Harrington: Avalanche could put it away Sunday; Lightning with a chance to tie series in game six

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Tampa Bay Lightning right wing Nikita Kucherov (86) is congratulated in game 5 after scoring a second period goal against the Colorado Avalanche in the NHL Stanley Cup Finals, Friday, June 24, 2022, at the Ball Center in Denver (AP News photo)

On the NHL Stanley Cup Finals podcast with Matt:

#1 The Colorado Avalanche came into game 5 Friday night thinking that with a win they would be able to hoist the Stanley Cup on their home ice after taking a 3-1 lead. It was not to be as the Tampa Bay Lighting scored a goal in each of the first, second and third periods to come away with a 3-2 win and to stay alive for another game.

#2 The Lightning’s Ondrej Palat scored the game winner in the third period at 6:22 and Tampa Bay was able to defend keeping the Aves out of their net for the one goal win.

#3 Tampa Bay goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy stopped 35 shots and looked like he was back in old form again shutting out the Avalanche in the first period while allowing one goal in each of the second and third periods.

#4 The Lightning also got goals from two reliable sources Nikita Kucherov and defenseman Jan Rutta which proved to be a total team effort by the Tampa Bay for the win.

#5 Game 6 is on deck in Tampa Bay this will give the Lightning a chance to tie the series on home ice or the Avalanche a chance to put it away on the road at Amalie Arena.

Join Matt throughout the NHL Stanley Cup Finals for coverage at http://www.sportsradioservice.com