Minnesota Wild Roster Rumors 2016: Mike Yeo Out as Head Coach after Eight Straight Defeats
Any team facing a huge struggle like losing eight consecutive games is a disaster waiting to happen. So when the Minnesota Wild continued their downfall in the Western Conference, the team decided to part ways with head coach Mike Yeo.
The Wild compiled a record of 0-6-2 in their previous eight games and was swept in a three-game stretch at home. What is even worse than losing at home is the fact that it is their second home losing streak in just a month, and they're still the best in the division!
But the firing of Yeo is a clear indication that the team finally pushed the panic button. To recall, general manager Chuck Fletcher even stated a week ago that Yeo will remain as coach even in the team's current struggles, but the loss to the Boston Bruins last Saturday became the tipping point.
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The Canadian ice hockey coach compiled a record of 173-132-44 in almost five seasons in Minnesota, producing decent success by taking the team to three straight postseason appearances. The Wild also reached the Western Conference semifinals in two occasions with him. At the start of this season, he became the fifth longest-serving active coach in the league.
Filling in for Yeo is John Torchetti, serving on an interim basis. The 51-year-old is the coach of the American Hockey League affiliate of the Wild in Iowa and comes in with an extensive coaching experience in the NHL. Prior to his employment with the Wild, he served as interim coach for the Florida Panthers and the Los Angeles Kings.
As of this writing, the team has not released any information or details regarding the status of Yeo's staff, including the top assistants in Rick Wilson, Darby Hendrickson, Darryl Sydor, and Andrew Brunette. With the team rapidly going under .500, it certainly looks like more changes are expected in the next week or so.
