Searching for a spark

Avalanche look to Granato to inject passion into their play

Avs head coach Tony Granato (left) consults with assistant Jacques Cloutier during the first period on Thursday. AP

DENVER (AP) -- When he was a player for the San Jose Sharks in 1997, Tony Granato came back from brain surgery to score 40 points.

It's that kind of passion and commitment that Colorado general manager Pierre Lacroix had in mind when he picked Granato to replace Bob Hartley, who was fired Wednesday after 4 1/2 seasons as Colorado's coach.

"If you look at the way he played the game, he's a passionate person," Lacroix said. "I always said that no matter how good you are, if you don't have the passion, you're not good enough to reach the expectations that the Avalanche has."

Despite being just two years removed from his playing days and having only three months of coaching experience, Granato has been chosen to try to lead Colorado to a NHL-record ninth straight division title.

The Avalanche defeated the Edmonton Oilers 2-1 in Granato's debut Thursday night.

Caught off guard Click the image to launch the clip Joe Sakic and the Avs claim they were surprised to hear head coach Bob Hartley was fired. Start Video Plus Visit Video Plus for all the latest video and audio.

"I've been around Tony and I've played against him a lot of years. He's a competitor," Avalanche defenseman Adam Foote said Thursday. "This guy's for real and I'm pretty sure the guys are going to respond to it. It doesn't surprise me that he's the coach."

Slow starts are nothing new in Colorado. The Avalanche struggled early in three of Hartley's first four seasons with the club, but bounced back to reach the conference finals each time.

The difference this season was that Lacroix thought Colorado (10-8-9-4) lacked fire, something he believes Granato can provide.

Granato had a reputation as a feisty player in 13 seasons with the New York Rangers, Los Angeles Kings and San Jose Sharks. He finished his career with 248 goals and 244 assists, but also had 1,425 penalty minutes and an ability to get under opponents' skin.

"He played with a lot of heart and emotion, and I think that's what he's going to do here," Avalanche defenseman Rob Blake said.

Granato expects it too.

"I know one thing, I'm not going to change," Granato said. "My game is enthusiasm, energy, coming to the rink with a smile on your face, and I'll keep doing that. I'm here to have fun and I'm here to win."

 

Related information

Stories

Kostya Kennedy: What about Bob Jon A. Dolezar: Avalanche made change to gain emotional boost Avs fire Hartley after disappointing start to season 2002-03 NHL Coaching Changes

Multimedia

Visit Video Plus for the latest audio and video