BY ADAM DESLOGES – FAN FUEL BLOGGER
As a new NHL season is shortly upon us there is no doubt some coaches around the league that are on the hot seat and in danger of being fired. Remember last year when the Los Angeles Kings made a coaching change and won the Stanley Cup? Teams will attempt to duplicate the Kings system in a shortened season.
Although it’s a 48 game season, coaches will be desperate to make the playoffs and save their buns from the oven. Fans will expect teams to lay it all on the line and make a strong push in a shorten season.
A shortened season can really benefit teams like the Devils (again) and their aging goalie Martin Brodeur. It can also hamper teams as their owners will want the playoff payoff from the gates and may not be patient enough to wait in recouping lost revenues from the lockout. Here is my list of five coaches to watch:
1. Alain Vigneault – Canucks head coach since 2006. Has yet to seal the deal.
2. Barry Trotz – Predators only coach in team history. Time for a new voice.
3. Lindy Ruff – Sabres head coach entering his 13th season. Team has been underachieving lately.
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4. Bob Hartley – Flames new head coach, but same old team. Unfortunate position to be in.
5. Randy Carlyle – Leafs head coach in a very awkward position. Need I say more?
Agree or disagree with my choices, but one thing is certain; a head coach in the NHL will be fired during this 48 game season.
POLL:
Who will be the next NHL coach to be fired?
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Adam has spent the majority of his life involved in hockey whether as a player, coach or referee. He has coached at all levels and divisions and has even coached in Graz, Austria. Adam has worked at numerous hockey camps including Vladislav Tretiak’s Elite School of Goaltending. He has coached throughout Ontario, Edmonton and with Hockey Canada’s Under 17 Program of Excellence. Adam has coached and played with a number of today’s NHLers such as Steve Sullivan (Phoenix Coyotes), Evgeni Nabokov (New York Islanders) and Cam Ward (Carolina Hurricanes). You can also follow Adam on twitter @AdamOnHockey
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