In a surprising turn of events, the Ottawa Senators have announced the dismissal of D.J. Smith as their head coach. The decision comes after a disappointing season for the team, which saw them finish near the bottom of the standings.
Smith, who was hired as the head coach in 2019, had a challenging tenure with the Senators. Despite his efforts to rebuild the team and develop young talent, the results on the ice did not meet expectations. The Senators finished the 2020-2021 season with a record of 23 wins, 28 losses, and 5 overtime losses.
In light of this underwhelming performance, the Senators have appointed Jacques Martin as the interim head coach. Martin, who has a wealth of coaching experience in the NHL, will take charge of the team until a permanent replacement for Smith is found.
Martin’s appointment brings a sense of stability to the Senators’ coaching staff. He has previously served as a head coach for several NHL teams, including the St. Louis Blues, Ottawa Senators, Florida Panthers, and Montreal Canadiens. His vast knowledge of the game and ability to adapt to different playing styles make him a valuable asset for the struggling Senators.
The decision to dismiss Smith and appoint Martin as the interim coach reflects the organization’s desire to turn things around quickly. The Senators have high hopes for their young roster, which includes promising talents like Brady Tkachuk, Thomas Chabot, and Tim Stützle. They believe that a change in leadership will provide the necessary spark to unlock their full potential.
While Martin’s appointment is temporary, it will be interesting to see how he influences the team’s performance in the upcoming season. His experience and expertise could help instill a winning mentality among the players and improve their overall performance on the ice.
The Senators’ management has also expressed their gratitude towards D.J. Smith for his contributions during his time as head coach. They acknowledge his dedication and hard work in developing the team’s young players and wish him the best in his future endeavors.
As the Senators embark on a new chapter under Jacques Martin’s guidance, fans and analysts alike will be eagerly watching to see if this coaching change can bring about the desired improvements. Only time will tell if Martin can lead the Senators back to their former glory and restore their status as a competitive force in the NHL.
