Should Vancouver Sack Tortorella?

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Yesterday in a press conference, Vancouver Canucks GM Mike Gillis was asked regarding the future of head coach John Tortorella. In typical fashion, Gillis was elusive on giving a direct answer as whether JT would remain next season saying "I'm not sure I'll be back next season!" Although we are still unclear as to whether Tortorella's so far unsuccessful reign in British Columbia will be winding up soon- it does pose an interesting question, does JT deserve a second season at the Rogers Arena?

Rather than shooting my mouth and calling for his head (which has become my trademark this year!) I thought I would prepare a constructive for/against argument to see if he deserves his place.

Reasons For Tortorella Staying
  •  Proven winner in Hockey with a Stanley Cup win in 2004 with Tampa Bay
  • He finally solved Luongo-gate by trading him to the Florida Panthers, which Alain Vigneault failed to do on numerous occasions.
  • Brought us on a winning streak of seven straight games in December which briefly looked like securing us a playoff spot and there has been streaks of impressive form through this season.
  • Discovered Eddie Lack and by giving a shot, the Canucks have found a potential goalie for the future.
  • He has shown passion towards this franchise which included trying to fight the entire Calgary Flames team after our brawl with them earlier this season. 
  • Finally won Vancouver a game in California this season when we beat San Jose 4-2 in November.
Reasons for Tortorella Getting The Sack 
  • Has failed to get Canucks to the playoffs this season for the first time in five years
  • Led Vancouver to an embrassing seven game losing streak in January/February which basically ruined our chance at even a wild card spot 
  • Offense has been steadily declining and we currently hold the lowest goals for total in the Western Conference 
  • Along with Mike Gillis, has deviated from previous formula's that has made team successful and as a result there is a luck of fluidity in Canucks play. 
  • Has failed to end Canucks' continuous losing streak in California which also resulted in a humilating 9-1 defeat to Anaheim in January.
  • Confrontational approach to Hockey has caused more problems than it has solved and lead to him being suspensed for two weeks after he accosted entire Calgary team on January 18th 
Conclusion 

Although Mike Gillis may feel that this team is right where it needs to be for the future, the Canucks fans cannot wait for that now and after this frankly horrendous season, I feel that this team would be better served by showing Tortorella the door. His winning ways have deserted him this year and our once prominent attack force led by the Sedin twins has now become a shadow its former self- which if you are gunning for glory is a very worrying sign.

Been nice having you John, but please make your way to the exit!

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