As the NHL season reaches the hallway point, we have already seen the impact of some outstanding coaching jobs that have revived some teams while keeping other clubs in playoff races that they realistically should not be in. Let’s take a look at the best of the best so far.
Gerard Gallant – Florida Panthers
Gallant was the second choice of Florida after they low-balled former Pittsburgh coach Dan Bylsma. It is turning out to be a blessing in disguise as Gallant has sparked a consistent effort by the Panthers that has given them a much-needed identity. Florida is in the thick of the Eastern Conference playoff race as Gallant has made them a “tough out” that opponents now respect. At 17-11-9 the Panthers were among the most improved teams in the NHL.
Todd Richards – Columbus Blue Jackets
Somehow, the Blue Jackets were only eight points out of the final Eastern Conference playoff spot despite being absolutely decimated with injuries. Much like Gallant, Todd Richards has built a team personality based on hard work and a maximum effort for every shift. Hard work is about all Columbus has to offer as they rank 23rd in the NHL for goal scoring and 26th for goals against and yet were 17-17-3. Once healthy this team is now set up to make a real run at a second consecutive playoff bid.
Peter Laviolette – Nashville Predators
Laviolette is giving the Predators franchise a much needed new identity after the defense-oriented years of previous coach Barry Trotz. Nashville is a team that nobody will want to face in the playoffs as goalie Pekka Rinne is world class and has combined with the Preds deep defensive corps to boast the NHL’s second-best ranking for goals against. Meanwhile, Nashville ranked ninth for goal scoring and fans are enjoying the more exciting brand of hockey and a more complete team that was leading the Central Division with the Chicago Blackhawks.
Barry Trotz – Washington Capitals
Meanwhile Trotz has taken his defensive oriented system to Washington where the Caps are playing their best hockey of the season. Trotz has the offensive talent at Washington that he lacked at Nashville. LW and team captain Alex Ovechkin is thriving under Trotz with a team high 19 goals and a +9 as he is actually showing up for duty on the back check. Trotz has made the Caps a much more complete team and he continues to get a full buy-in from the “Great Eight” a deep playoff run is entirely possible.
Bob Hartley – Calgary Flames
The Flames are outmanned almost every game in the tough Western Conference and yet were tied for the final playoff spot with the San Jose Sharks. Hartley planted the seeds of Calgary’s resurgence last year as he made them one of the hardest working teams in the league. Now, Calgary’s talented defense is taking form and has sparked a remarkable playoff run. The Flames carry league wide respect for being a tough out and their 21-16-3 mark is among the most impressive in the NHL when you consider their lack of top shelf talent and having to compete in the West.
Paul Maurice – Winnipeg Jets
The combination of injuries, especially on defense, and the lack of offensive firepower have not prevented the Jets from staking claim to the Western Conference’s sixth playoff spot at 20-12-7. Maurice has built a strong defensive structure that ranked fourth in the NHL for goals against. Winnipeg has had to rely on that structure because of an injury list that rivals Columbus and includes four of their top six defensemen. Yet Maurice has kept the team focused and, like Calgary, Columbus, and Florida, among the toughest outs in the game.
Mike Johnston – Pittsburgh Penguins
The 57-year-old rookie NHL coach inherited a talented but dispirited team, which now plays with a breath of fresh air and is thriving with a new messenger. Pittsburgh was 39-24-10 and one point out of the top spot in the Eastern Conference. The Penguins fired Dan Bylsma for their recent playoff failures and the true payoff of Johnston’s work may come in June as the Pens are looking like a Cup contender once again.
