Penguins' Fired Coach May Sue Thursday November 29, 2001 5:11 PM PITTSBURGH (AP) - Ivan Hlinka, fired as the Pittsburgh Penguins' coach following an 0-4 start, has hired two lawyers and is threatening to sue the team for breach of contract. Hlinka claims the Penguins have not paid him the $800,000 he is owed on a three-year contract that runs through June 30, 2003. Hlinka, who coached the Czech Republic to the 1998 Olympic gold medal, was fired less than two weeks into his second season in Pittsburgh. He coached the Penguins to the Eastern Conference finals against New Jersey last season. When Hlinka was fired, general manager Craig Patrick indicated he would be offered a scouting position or some other job in Europe, but that apparently has not occurred. One reason cited for Hlinka's ouster was his lack of communication skills. The Penguins wanted him to improve his English by taking classes during the off-season, but he apparently did not do so. Penguins spokesman Tom McMillan said the team is aware of the situation but would have nothing to say. "We've been notified he has retained two lawyers, so it would be inappropriate for us to comment," he said. Since Hlinka was let go, the Penguins were 10-5-3-2 under new coach Rick Kehoe going into Thursday night's game against San Jose.
