Firing Claude Julien would be a colossal mistake by the Boston Bruins

It's no secret that the Boston Bruins haven't made a postseason appearance since 2014, the year the B's lost to the Montreal Canadiens in the second round of the NHL playoffs. 

While it appears the 2016-17 Bruins will more than likely make the playoffs this season, rumors have been swirling for sometime that head coach Claude Julien is on the proverbial hot seat and could be fired before season's end.

With 28 games remaining in the regular season, including tonight's home game against the Toronto Mapleleafs, it sickens me to think the team's front office would dispatch Julien smackdab in the middle of the season.

Sure, it was six years ago the Julien-led Bruins snapped a 39 year Stanley Cup skid, but the organization did something I thought they'd never do: bring home Lord Stanley's Cup to Boston. 

Then in his sixth year at the helm of the Bruins, Julien again led Boston back to the Stanley Cup playoffs, but lost to the Chicago Blackhawks.

So, explain to me please why Julien, who currently has his team third in the Atlantic Division standings, just nine markers behind front runner Montreal, continues to have his job in jeopardy.

Firing Julien now would be utterly and completely ridiculous. Nothing good can come from it.

Instead of blaming Julien for the team's failure to make the playoffs the past two seasons, maybe owner Jeremy Jacobs should consider replacing general manager Don Sweeney. Julien can only coach the team with the talent he's got and the front office continues to let talent slip away.

For instance, why, why, why did the Bruins trade Johnny Boychuk, Phil Kessel and Milan Lucic? Just like with other star player such a Joe Thornton, I'm sure it's because Jacobs wasn't willing to pay the salary these top players demanded.

Without a strong nucleus of players, there's no way Julien can be a successful coach. The man should be applauded for what he's accomplished this season considering who he has on his roster.

Here's to hoping that the B's can add some additional talent before the Feb. 28 trade deadline. And here's to also hoping that after tonight's game against Toronto, that Julien still has a job.