Pittsburgh Penguins: A Look Back at 2014

4. Front office shake-up

May 4, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins head coach

(top left) talks to referee Eric Furlatt (27) against the New York Rangers during the first period in game two of the second round of the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the CONSOL Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

One of the most significant moves in the Pens’ recent history, not only of the last year but of the last few at least, came when the Penguins’ ownership decided to part ways with the Stanley Cup-winning duo of General Manager Ray Shero and Head Coach Dan Bylsma.

The two, who were instrumental in the Penguins’ 2009 championship, seemed at one point to be untouchable, safe in their positions due to the success they brought to Pittsburgh.

However, a series of disappointing playoff performances necessitated change, and the Pens’ ownership decided to start from the top and work their way down.

The cleaning of house also included the removal of assistant coaches Todd Reirden and Tony Granato, alongside a bit of controversy in the Pens’ decision to wait on firing coach Bylsma (a decision that severely limited Bylsma’s options post-Penguins by locking him up until after many of the vacant coaching positions had been filled).