Jack Adam's contender
In this salary cap era, it seems that every team is on an even playing field yet some teams manage to surprise us. Many of these surprise teams have made coaching changes, which makes their coaches top contenders for the Jack Adam’s. With so many coaches doing a great job, this years Adam’s race, while not as exciting as the playoff races in the East and West, will be exciting and down-to-the-wire.
Based on their team’s performances thus far, here are the contenders, IMO…
Peter Laviolette, Carolina: First year coach with this team, lead the ‘canes out of absolutely nowhere to a southeast division title (they clinched last night). Heading into the year he had alot of potential (see Staal and Gerber) but no bonafide stars. Definently top contender.
Mike Bab*****, Detroit: He has taken a excellent team that was supposed to falter… and they didn’t. Given it’s not hard to have success in hockeytown, but I only need to point to Dave Lewis. Excellent work so far.
Tom Renney, NYR: He took a team that had Jaromir Jagr and…umm…well… you get the point. He has battled all year long with perenial Atlantic Divison foes Flyers and Devils and he’s got his Rangers in first.
Lindy Ruff, Buffalo: Buffalo can’t score goals, Buffalo can’t scroe goals, Buffalo can’t score goals… No matter how often you say it, those sabres are gone, Ruff’s got his team in fifth in league scoring, complete about face… and oh yeah, they are winning too.
Barryt Trotz, Nashville: Coming off of their first playoff appearence, the Preds were supposed to be hard pressed to make it again, now they are in a home ice advantage spot in the always competitive West.
Randy Carlyle, Anaheim: Rookie coach has his team winning despite having a very different team then he did at the begining… probably getting the most out of the least from his players.
My choice : Tom Renney
Will win : Peter Laviolette
What do you think?