Today the finalists were named for the Jack Adams Award, which is given to the top NHL coach each season, and Washington Capitals coach Bruce Boudreau was not on the list of three. Some analysts and fans are frustrated by the omission, given that the Washington Capitals won the President’s Trophy this season, amassing the most points (which are acquired for regular season wins).
In the 37 years since the award was created, the coach of the President’s Trophy only picked up the award seven times, but in the past two decades only 2 coaches have won the award and captured the President’s Trophy in the same season.
Bruce Boudreau won the award for the 2007-08 season, and it’s likely that hist great roster of players takes away from Boudreau’s league-leading points tally accomplishment. The award is given to the coach who contributes the most to his team’s success, and the fact that the Washington Capitals have acquired a great roster of players for this season makes it likely that this team would be a playoff squad with or without Boudreau. In the next couple years, as the Capitals are forced to change their roster around due to the salary issues which come as great players become free agents, Bruce Boudreau’s ability to coach teams to greatness will be apparent.
The finalists for this year’s Jack Adams Award are Nashville Predators Head Coach Barry Trotz, Phoenix Coyote’s Dave Tippett and Joe Sacco of the Colorado Avalanche.
If you look at the three finalists? Its three guys who did a lot with a little, talent wise. At least in comparison to the Capitals who have one of the most talent laden teams in the NHL. So was Boudreau really the best “coach”? Or did he have the best talent?
I can’t say for sure if he does or doesn’t deserve to be in the finalists (I would vote for the coach of the Coyotes if I had a vote) – but I do know that a mannequin with a tie on could have gotten the Caps to to the playoffs… they’re THAT talented.