The Leafs fire Pat Quinn.

My reaction to this was simple: “Ouch.” The sentiment amongst Leafs fans online, and even some of the players, is that Quinn was a good guy and a great coach. At the same time, though, some are also saying the team could use a fresh start with a new coach. Even others are saying GM John Ferguson, Jr., should’ve been booted either as well as Quinn or instead of him. The only way any of us Leafs fans will know if this was good or bad is when we find out who’ll be replacing Quinn, and seeing how everything goes next season–which, coincidentally, will be the 40th anniversary of the Leaf’s last Stanley Cup win.

Apparently, there’s also a Tie Domi connection. If it’s true that Domi had a hand in Quinn’s firing… that’s not a good thing. And they ought to tell him to pack his bags and get the blank out. Gah.

I hope if he gets another coaching job (I’ve been seeing Pittsburgh come up in this regard), he’ll do his new “home” proud, maybe even hoist the Cup.

In semi-related news, with the Leafs out of it, at least I don’t have to hear my dad ask me, “Where’s Eddie (Belfour)?” whenever someone else is playing goal in a game. At least not until next season. ;) As for who I’m rooting for: Originally it was going to be all Avs, but I may root for San Jose. If the Sharks go all the way, it’d be a nice thing to throw in Boston’s face. ;) As for the Eastern Conference, as long as it’s neither Ottawa nor Montreal, I’ll be a happy Shelly. :)

Do you honestly think I’d root for my favourite team’s biggest rivals in the playoffs? Come on!