Todd Cordell
If the Devils were in a playoff spot I'd say John Hynes but, since they're not, I'm going to with my preseason pick Pete DeBoer.
A year ago the Sharks finished 15th in 5 v 5 shot suppression (shots against per 60). Right now the Sharks sit tied for 2nd and just .1 out of 1st place.
A year ago the Sharks finished 17th in scoring chance for% and 12th in high-danger scoring chance for% at full-strength. This year the Sharks sit 4th and 1st respectively.
DeBoer's Sharks have won eight of 10, picked up points in 10 straight and are closing the gap on the LA Kings for 1st in the Pacific.
The Sharks have been much better this year under DeBoer and he deserves some credit for that.
Jason Lewis If things continue to hold the way they are, and the Florida Panthers do in fact make the playoffs and win the division, it's Gerard Gallant hands down.
I do not think anyone expected this of the Florida Panthers, and he has had an incredibly diverse roster to balance. Young players, elder vets, grizzled "Character" players. I do not think it has been the most simple roster to deal with, but he has squeezed some exceptional numbers out of them. Mind you they are one of the best defensive teams in hockey right now. If the vote were tomorrow Gallant would get mine.
James Tanner I don't really think the Jack Adams is a very good trophy. It generally goes to the team who has the biggest performance increase over the year before and since that is usually a fluke, the coach who wins it eventually ends up fired when can't maintain what is now an unmaintainable status quo.
The last two winners were Roy and Harley - two of whom I would consider the very worst coaches in the NHL.
Mike Babcock has never won a coaching award, but Patrick Roy has. Let that sink in for a second while you realize how meaningless writer awarded awards are.
The best coach in the NHL is either Babcock or Daryl Suter.
But the winner will be Gerald Gallant - who may or may not be good. Doesn't matter, but the Panthers are way higher in the standings than they have a right to be and Gallant will reap the benefits. Let's hope he thanks Luongo, the guy who really earned him his award.
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