On Tuesday, the Boston Bruins replaced Jim Montgomery as coach, promoting associate coach Joe Sacco on an interim basis.
TSN’s Pierre LeBrun reported the Bruins will give Sacco a legitimate chance to become their full-time coach. He indicated they don’t intend to start searching for a new bench boss and haven’t reached out to any available candidates.
Meanwhile, some observers are proposing new coaching destinations for Montgomery.
The Hockey News’ Adam Proteau suggested the Detroit Red Wings, Nashville Predators, and Pittsburgh Penguins. Meanwhile, The Athletic’s Fluto Shinzawa included the St. Louis Blues and Montreal Canadiens on his list.
Those five teams are off to disappointing starts, putting varying degrees of heat on their current bench bosses.
On Nov. 16, Detroit Hockey Now’s Bob Duff observed the Red Wings’ lifeless 4-1 loss to the Los Angeles Kings on Saturday. He wondered if coach Derek Lalonde needed a win on Monday against the San Jose Sharks to retain his job. Evidently not, as the Wings got a point in a 5-4 overtime loss to the Sharks.
Lalonde’s future could depend on the Wings’ performance over the next six games, five of which are at home starting Thursday against the New York Islanders. A string of losses there could grease the skids for Lalonde’s departure.
Meanwhile, Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette wondered how long it’ll take for Penguins ownership to drop the axe on coach Mike Sullivan. Mackey doesn’t consider Sullivan a bad coach but believes the players are unwilling or unable to execute his orders, suggesting they’ve tuned out their long-time bench boss.
In Nashville, the focus is on GM Barry Trotz’s efforts to improve the roster rather than Andrew Brunette’s coaching. The Hockey News’ Rob Couch cited reports claiming Trotz is rigorously searching the trade market for centers.
As for the Blues, coach Drew Bannister said his slumping club must find ways to win games. His injury-depleted lineup could give him a longer leash than Lalonde, Sullivan, or Brunette. The Blues have three regular defensemen sidelined – Torey Krug, Nick Leddy and Philip Broberg. Meanwhile, first-line center Robert Thomas only recently returned from being out for a month with a fractured ankle.
The Hockey News’ Ryan Gagne believes Canadiens coach Martin St-Louis remains safe from the hot seat. Habs management appears willing to stay patient as St-Louis keeps grooming their young players.
