Cardiac Cane’s Picks For 2013-2014 NHL Awards
By Brett Finger
Jack Adams Trophy
The award given to the NHL Head Coach who contributed most to his team’s success.
Jan 8, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Avalanche head coach Patrick Roy on his bench in the first period against the Ottawa Senators at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Brett’s Pick: Patrick Roy (Colorado Avalanche)
Patrick Roy came in after the Avs went 16-25-7 in the 2013 shortened season. They were the second worst team in the entire NHL. Roy’s passion and enthusiasm fueled his young group of players enough to finish 2nd in the Western Conference in his first year as head coach. His team finished ahead of teams like the Chicago Blackhawks, St. Louis Blues, Los Angeles Kings, and San Jose Sharks out West.
For a rookie coach to come in and completely change the attitude and direction of an organization this quickly is completely unheard of. The first year for Patrick Roy was a magical one, and he could keep this going for a very long time with his young group of players in Colorado.
Runner Ups: Jon Cooper (Tampa Bay Lightning), Mike Babcock (Detroit Red Wings)
Wes’s Pick: Jon Cooper (Tampa Bay Lightning)
This was supposed to be a rebuilding season in Tampa Bay, but Cooper led his team to a 101-point season and a second place finish in the Atlantic Division instead. When Steven Stamkos was injured, the Lightning just kept on trucking and the trade of Martin St. Louis didn’t bother the team in the regular season. Cooper also got a ton of production from Tyler Johnson and Ondrej Palat, two no-name guys a couple of years ago.
Runner Ups: Patrick Roy (Colorado Avalanche), Bruce Boudreau (Anaheim Ducks)