Canucks Daily: Gabby NHL Coaches, Hockey’s Purgatory Lives On

Vancouver Canucks Head Coach Bruce Boudreau did not receive enough consideration to become one of the three finalists for the Jack Adams Award as the NHL coach-of-the-year in 2022. One would have to believe that if the Vancouver Canucks had snuck into the playoffs he would have made it to the final three for sure. He maybe even would have won it, considering what an amazing comeback story it would have been.

Instead, the award went to another deserving individual on Thursday, Darryl Sutter of the Calgary Flames. He previously coached the Flames from 2002-2006 and then the Los Angeles Kings to two Stanley Cups (2012, 2014). He seemed a bit more conversational this year than in seasons past.

“I’m honoured to be told by (his brother) Brian (Sutter), and I accept the Jack Adams Award on behalf of my family, my wife Wanda and son Christopher,” Darryl said. Brian, who informed him of the award, won the Jack Adams as coach of the St. Louis Blues back in 1991.

Darryl’s record this season of 50-21-and-11 record and a Pacific Division title with 111 points was enough to put him on top. He beat out the other finalists Andrew Brunette of the Florida Panthers and Gerard Gallant of the New York Rangers.

Hockey’s Purgatory No More?

Stop me if you’ve heard this one. The Arizona Coyotes are talking about getting a new rink. They think they’re on to something.

This from NHL.com:

In a special meeting, the Tempe City Council voted 5-2 in favor of the city and the developer to begin negotiations on reaching a deal for an arena and entertainment complex that would become the new home of the Coyotes.

In the meantime, I’m not sure if you agree with me, but I’m stoked to see this team play in the 5,000-ish seat college arena at Arizona State University. I mean, if you’re gonna only get five or six thousand people to a game, why not pack a barn and have a raucous atmosphere, as opposed to spreading them out in a 15,000 seat arena with a crappy feel. I’m actually excited to see a game there next season.

The new rink won’t be available until at least 2025 if it moves forward.

“We are extremely pleased that the Tempe City Council has voted to proceed with negotiations on development of the Tempe Entertainment District,” the Coyotes said in a statement. “Having heard all the facts, they have recognized the incredible opportunity that this project presents – not only for the Coyotes but also for the City of Tempe. We look forward to taking the next steps to turn this exciting vision into a reality.”

Dandy Tonight

Not sure if Vancouver Canucks fans are with the majority around the NHL who would like to see a new champion this season, but tonight will mark a pivotal point for the two-time defending title holders, the Tampa Bay Lightning. The New York Rangers have a chance to go up 2-0 in the Eastern Conference Final series at Madison Square Garden. No easy task against the Bolts.

Enjoy the Hockey Action !!