NHL 2014-2015 regular season running thread

It's true this entire season for the Ducks hinges on playoff success and I probably mentioned that early in this thread.
MTM, what I don't believe, however, is that somebody can be labeled "not a playoff coach." You can coach or you can't. He can. You have a goalie who plays well in the regular season then doesn't in the playoffs, and it's the coach's fault?? No. But, true, it always seems to come down to a goalie decision for Boudreau. You gotta pick one and you hope he is up to the task. Injuries influenced the goalies in last season's playoffs.
Liut, you probably watched the game Sunday night and it was a disaster for the Ducks. Andersen was bad, but so was everybody else. He has won 31 games this season, so he isn't a pile of crap. But that injury was probably more serious than it appeared. He was sprawled in the crease. The net got knocked forward and landed on his head/neck area. Don't know how much the goal weighs, but I think it can provide a pretty good jolt.
Don't fall into the "national media" syndrome of watching one nationally televised game and determining the state of the team from that.
Boudreau has two years left on his contract after this season. The Ducks have a benevolent owner, but they lose money and won't be paying anybody to not coach. Boudreau has been a boon to the franchise, which, like the Kings, used to be battling for that last playoff berth every season. Now, they are going to win their third consecutive Pacific title in a runaway and have been challengers for best overall record.
Are the Kings going to fire Sutter if they don't make the playoffs? No.

 

Detroit (Babcock's contract is up), Boston (if they don't make the playoffs) and Pittsburgh (if they flame out in the first round). Plus New Jersey will need to make some sort of decision. Lots of changes in store.

 

Doug MacLean mentioned on Hockey Central yesterday that he's heard Buffalo is going all in on a big-name coach and Babcock's name came up. Pegula IS aggressive with deep pockets and, apparently, Tim Murray was the fellow that brought Babcock into the professional ranks as head coach of Anaheim's farm club in Cincinnati.

In Boston, I can see both the GM and coach getting canned. I have a hard time envisioning JR dumping his first Penguin hire that quickly. You're right, Jersey is definitely up in the air. No idea if Oates or Stevens get it, or even a sniff.

Thing of it is, several coaches that lose their jobs are likely to have new ones next season. Julien wouldn't be out of work very long. As I mentioned earlier, Tippitt would find work. Bylsma is still out there. If St. Louis crashes and burns, I think Hitch gets the axe. Wonder if the boys have tired of same voice.

 

Blues are built to win now, so Hitch could be out if they lose in the first round. Coaching free agency will be more interesting than player free agency this summer.

 

You're probably right but it is interesting that Dubnyk and Hammond are upcoming free agents. San Jose ought to be the first team in touch.

EDIT: Cannot remember if Hammond is UFA or RFA.

 

and are about to be extremely overpaid

 

JC, got a take on who Toronto's next coach might be?

 

I know he's 28, but isn't Hammond a rookie?

BTW, I love the nickname "Hamburglar."

 

Yes and has come out of obscurity to help power Ottawa into a wildcard spot as of today. Played in college at Bowling Green (my old stomping grounds prior to signing with the Stingers).

On another subject, did I hear correctly Halak is hurt? If true, that is pretty consistent timing by the guy (sarcasm). I'm fond of Halak but he always seems to get injured at or just before playoff time.

 

I know about that part because he and Cam Talbot carried my fantasy team down the stretch into the No. 1 seed. Hoping he stays hot through my playoffs.

Not that any of you care.

 

I assume those two will be in opposing nets tonight. I know next to nothing of fantasy leagues. How will that work for you?

 

Except the year he singlehandedly took the Canadians to the Eastern Conference Finals.