A handful of coaches could be on their last legs if exectations aren't exceeded in 2011-12.
As we get closer to the opening of training camp for the 2011-12 NHL season, the subject of which coaches face the most pressure this year is bound to be a hot topic. For me there are a handful of candidates, none of whom should surprise anybody:
Ron Wilson, Toronto Maple Leafs: You could make the case Wilson has not been given much to work with, but at the end of the day no playoff appearances in three seasons in Toronto coupled with lousy special teams has him on the hot seat. With all the changes GM Brian Burke has made to this team, including changing Wilson's assistant coaches, this team had better be in playoff contention from the get-go or else. If not, it would seem logical that a coaching change will be made.
Todd McLellan, San Jose Sharks: The Sharks hoped they were bringing a little of the Detroit Red Wings magic to the table when they hired McLellan, formerly a Wings assistant, three years ago. Hasn't quite worked out that way, though. Again, it may come down to a personnel issue, but there is more pressure than ever on the Sharks to finally make it to the Stanley Cup final. The reality is, with the talent the Sharks boast, it is unlikely that they would get off to the kind of start that would require a change behind the bench. McLellan is more likely to be judged at season's end.
Alain Vigneault, Vancouver Canucks: The Canucks' failure to win the Stanley Cup after taking a 2-0 series lead in the final against the Boston Bruins has Vigneault on thin ice. It didn't help matters that the Canucks lost Game 7 on home ice. Sometimes a team has to experience such failure before it emerges as a champion. In any case, expectation for the Canucks will be at an all-time high this season and Vigneault cannot afford for his team to start slowly.
Terry Murray, Los Angeles Kings: This is the year the Kings are expected to take a significant step forward. Murray has done a fine job in Los Angeles, but with the addition of Mike Richards to go with the team's former centerpiece Anze Kopitar, nothing short of a long playoff run will be acceptable. Missing the playoffs or another first round defeat would be devastating.
FLYERS NEW CAPTAIN: Doesn't it just seem like a matter of time before the Philadelphia Flyers name veteran defenceman Chris Pronger as the club's new captain, replacing the recently departed Mike Richards? Here is what Flyers coach Peter Laviolette had to say about the captaincy: "I really think the captain should be somebody who represents the leadership on the team and not a popularity contest, not a point or production thing. It's somebody who has the makings of captain from what they say, how they act and how they train; their relationship with the coach and the organization…"
Pronger, who was injured for much of last season and may not be healthy enough to start the year with the Flyers, fits the bill. He has been a captain in St. Louis and Anaheim, won the Stanley Cup with the Ducks and is all business when it comes to training and preparation to play.
LAST CHANCE: Fabian Brunnstrom made a dream-like NHL debut two years ago with the Dallas Stars when he recorded a hat trick, including the game-winning goal against the Nashville Predators, in his first game. In fact, he scored a fourth goal that was waved off that he insists went in before the whistle sounded.
Nevertheless, the 26-year-old Swede who had teams tripping over one another to sign him as a free agent a few summers back despite the fact he had been overlooked in the NHL draft, has not been the scoring star the Stars thought they were getting. Brunnstrom scored a respectable 17 goals and 29 points in 55 games with Dallas in 2008-09, but slipped to two goals and 11 points in 44 games the following season.
He spent last year playing in the American Hockey League with the Toronto Marlies and now has signed a tryout deal with the Detroit Red Wings. He had four goals and 14 points in 35 games with the Marlies. I don't like his chances of making the Red Wings.
