Atlanta's Bob Hartley essentially fired himself between Games 2 and 3 of last year's first-round sweep by the Rangers when he switched starting goaltenders for the second time in the series, going back to Game 1's ineffective Kari Lehtonen rather than sticking with Game 2's outstanding Johan Hedberg. That was it for the coach, who wasn't dismissed over the summer only because GM Don Waddell didn't have authority from ownership to do so.
Now Waddell, whose own job is surely on the line, is behind the bench in an interim capacity that we're told may extend throughout the course of the season.
I don't think the last bit about Don staying behind the bench the rest of the year will happen. I think that is not the favored route, but could happen if they are not able to get their top choices due to contractual or other issues.
And from the Tampa Bay Tribune, Mike Sullivan isn't an option right now:
SULLY STAYS PUT: The name of Lightning assistant coach Mike Sullivan surfaced as a potential candidate to replace recently fired Bob Hartley as Atlanta's head coach, but Sullivan's contract doesn't allow him to pursue other jobs during the season without the Lightning's permission.
Sullivan declined interview requests Friday regarding the Thrashers' opening. The former Boston head coach does have a window of time during the offseason during which he can pursue head coaching jobs.
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