I understand you now, they played an equal rival and lost. I always thought that Maurice is better at European Hockey than your average american.
I agree. Although no way I see Maurice getting fired. He did a good job. Look at the risk he took that paid off switching Gelahvilli for Ahonen. If Georgi doesn't get injured that series might also become different. He also did a world of wonders for the development of young Antipin, making him the number 1 defenseman in minutes even through some of the playoffs... BTW Maurice only switched to the boring dump and chase game during the close time in the playoffs. I've watched plenty of exciting Magnitka games. In fact, Magnitka showed some of the best hockey plays all season on a regular basis besides Malkin. Hodgeman, Mozyakin, Zuccarello made great plays al year. Go back a few games the puck possesion on the gwg from mozyakin to hodgeman, the hockey doesn't get any better than that..
BTW SU is no slouch, goalie got hot and they have some sleeping giants on their side as well. Over all it was an equal match and SU came on top 1 goal better. Forme that doesn't warrant blowing up your team and starting new.