One the one hand, I don't think anyone in the organization or fan base was calling for Todd Richards' head. He's a great coach, he's a brilliant tactician (not counting last night's abomination, CBJ had among the best PP efficiency in the league), and players love him.
But it's not about what players love, and it's not about how brilliant you are. It's about getting the best out of the players on the ice. HCTR has failed miserably in that regard at the beginning of each season. Their first 15 games, basically the first 20% of every season, they dig themselves into a hole of confusion and subpar performance. That can't happen with any regularity for a team that SHOULD be in the playoffs.