The lack of leadership in this organization from ownership through the exodus of presidents and senior advisors through to the first time GM truly manifested itself on ice this year.
That's why I have little problem with Boucher coaching from a position of familiarity. From a career standpoint, I'd have done the same thing.
If he went down with his system and methods this year - the same system and methods that almost took him all the way last year - would we really look back over time and conclude that the bottom out this season was his fault?
Look to the lack of support and leadership above, look to the depth being gutted going into this season, look elsewhere before looking at Boucher.
He may not be the right coach for this team - in fact, I'd say he isn't the right coach for Karlsson. Boucher's push to have him block shots so relentlessly may have cost Erik substantially based on his next long term contract, and the effect the down year he had injury wise stemming from his buy in to Boucher's style of play last year will have in the overall number. After last years playoff run, he was looking at $100 million. Now, after an off season with no training camp or physical activity, he struggled and gave away some negotiating leverage as a result. That, to me, is mainly to do with Erik buying into Boucher's plan.
But I don't begrudge Boucher at all for sticking with what he knows works well. The onus was on Dorion to manage the coaching style with the correct personnel, and on Eugene for providing Dorion with the resources to do so. Both did not do their share, and take the heat before Boucher in my mind.