Mike Yeo Replaces Alain Vigneault As Flyers’ Head Coach

By Jordan Long

The Philadelphia  Flyers lost last night to the Colorado Avalanche 7-5 bringing their record to 8-11-4 for a total of 20 points.  It was the Flyers’ first game with interim Head Coach Mike Yeo. 

                Philadelphia fired Head Coach Alain Vigneault.  They had a record of 0-6-2 in their last 8 games heading into last night’s contest against the Colorado Avalanche.  Before the losing streak, Vigneault had been the Head Coach of the Flyers since April 15, 2019.  In the 2019-2020 season, Vigneault coached them to a 41-21-7 record, earning a spot in the playoffs. That was of course played in the bubble.  They knocked off the Montreal Canadians in the 1^st round.  In the 2^nd-round they fell to the New York Islanders in 7 games. Philadelphia hoped this was just the start for Vigneault.

                Unfortunately, it wasn’t.  Last season, Vigneault coached them to a 25-23-8 record.  They missed the postseason.  This year Philadelphia expected better results.  It didn’t happen.  Philadelphia was 8-10-4 when they dismissed him as Head Coach.

                According to NBCsports.com, General Manager Chuck Fletcher said, “We made a lot of changes in personnel last summer. I do believe this group can be a better team. Right now, it’s everything. I just think our details are lacking right now. Obviously, our confidence is lacking. Guys are struggling. They care. They try. Right now, I just feel like Mike can help us get back to the identity we need to have to win games.”

                Mike Yeo is now the interim Head Coach.  They didn’t look much better under Yeo last night but it was only the first game with him.  Yeo is the right choice to lead this team.  He has been an NHL Head Coach in the league before with the Minnesota Wild and the St. Louis Blues.  Including last night, his overall record is 246-182-55.  Yeo earned a playoff spot 4 times as Head Coach.

                Philadelphia would like better results from Yeo.  He has his chance to show he can coach the Flyers.  The Flyers played well offensively last night since they scored 5 goals, but their defense still played poorly giving up 7.  This should improve under Yeo.  Yeo could be their coach for years to come with the right results otherwise if Philadelphia struggles and doesn’t make the playoff he will be gone. He will must show he can handle being a coach once again.