The top rising candidates for NHL coach, GM jobs
Joe Sargent/NHLI via Getty Images
If there s anything we know about NHL hiring practices, it s that they can be predictable. Since 2005-06, there have been 171 head-coaching changes in the NHL more than the NFL, NBA or MLB. However, 101 of the 171 new hires had previous head-coaching experience, according to the Elias Sports Bureau. That 59.1% rate of retreads is also the highest among the other three major men s professional sports leagues in North America.
So with three coaching vacancies already open this cycle the Arizona Coyotes, Columbus Blue Jackets and Seattle Kraken it s easy to guess who will get first looks. John Tortorella (who recently parted with Columbus after six years), Rick Tocchet (done in Arizona after four years) and Gerard Gallant (who took the NHL season off after being dismissed by Vegas in 2020) are going to be hot names. But other than them, who is next? And how about in management?
Minnesota plays St. Louis on 7-game win streak
By The Associated Press Associated Press April 27, 2021 2:05am Text size Copy shortlink:
St. Paul, Minnesota; Wednesday, 7 p.m. EDT
FANDUEL SPORTSBOOK LINE: Wild -140, Blues +115
BOTTOM LINE: Minnesota seeks to keep its seven-game win streak alive when the Wild take on St. Louis.
The Wild are 31-13-3 against the rest of their division. Minnesota ranks ninth in the league averaging 3.2 goals per game, led by Kirill Kaprizov with 22.
The Blues are 21-19-6 against opponents in the West Division. St. Louis has given up 37 power-play goals, killing 75.3% of opponent chances.
St. Louis knocked off Minnesota 3-2 in the last meeting between these teams on
Arizona takes on St. Louis on 5-game skid
By The Associated PressApril 16, 2021 GMT
St. Louis Blues (19-17-6, fourth in the West Division) vs. Arizona Coyotes (19-20-5, fifth in the West Division)
Glendale, Arizona; Saturday, 6 p.m. EDT
FANDUEL SPORTSBOOK LINE: Coyotes +109, Blues -132; over/under is 0
BOTTOM LINE: Arizona looks to break its five-game slide with a victory over St. Louis.
The Coyotes are 19-20-5 against the rest of their division. Arizona has given up 27 power-play goals, killing 80.3% of opponent chances.
The Blues are 19-17-6 against West Division opponents. St. Louis has converted on 19.5% of power-play opportunities, recording 24 power-play goals.
Anyone looking in from the outside can spy a team in deep trouble.
Berube s Blues have lost 12 of their last 14 games and are running out of time to salvage their season and make the playoffs. Less than two years since going on an improbable run to win the Stanley Cup, St. Louis has a brutal schedule down the stretch and faces an uphill climb to even qualify for the NHL postseason. Weâre in a hole right now and weâve got to scratch and claw our way out of it, Berube said Tuesday. âI know this group cares, and things arenât going well right now. But to get out of it, youâve got to keep believing and keep working and keep competing and stick together. Thatâs the only way you get out of it.â