Pucks of a Feather Midseason Awards Ballot: Jack Adams Award
By Jason Byun
Oct 28, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Anaheim Ducks head coach Bruce Boudreau during the third period against the Chicago Blackhawks at the United Center. Anaheim won 1-0. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
The NHL All-Star weekend continues tonight with the All-Star Fantasy Draft at 5:00 p.m. PT on NBCSN. However, it is a continued time of reflection on the season. Yesterday, we released our Calder Trophy ballot here at Pucks of a Feather, looking back on the tremendous rookie seasons from this year. There were so many worthy candidates, but in the end, I made the hard cuts to five very deserving rookies.
Today is another ballot, but this time, we will be taking a shot at the Jack Adams Award, given to the NHL’s Coach of the Year. Again, my ballot is not an official one, and this ballot only goes to this “midpoint” of the season. But it is a great way to note the coaches who have done a more exceptional job this season (because let’s face it, there’s a lot more that goes into coaching, and these people have all done outstanding jobs).
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Last season, then-rookie head coach Patrick Roy led the Colorado Avalanche from the 1st pick in the 2013 NHL Draft to the Central Division crown, 52 wins, and 112 points. The major turnaround was enough for him to win the award last season. Bruce Boudreau has led the Ducks to a terrific record among a multitude of injuries and the mumps, but his candidacy is probably “hurt” (more not helped) because the Ducks were seen as a Pacific Division favorite and preseason Stanley Cup contender.
The actual ballot has three spots. We will do the same, plus an extra candidate who deserves to be mentioned. Let’s get a look at this season’s myriad of candidates, starting with an honorable mention.
Next: Honorable Mention: Interim Last Year, Playoffs This Year?