Why NHL coaches get stale...

[moondart]

My theory: Like the Pens are seeing now with Bylsma...after a while, one of 2 things happen:

1. Hardass coach: Players stop responding...and the players "sense" the coach will be fired. Or...

2. "Player friendly" coach: Players get adjusted to the "looseness" of things...and after the "excitement" of this type where's off...they start to lose.

The life cycle seems to be 2-3 seasons...

So, Bylsma should feel fortunate..

[Metalmike]

I think HCDB has lasted much longer than expected. Any other coach with this talent and expectations each year would have been fired, unless they are one of the not so favoured teams who always make the playoffs but hang on to the coach, like barry trots and as long as Lindy ruff was with the Sabres.

Metal Mike, Canada's #1 Penguins Fan.

[moondart]

I think HCDB has lasted much longer than expected. Any other coach with this talent and expectations each year would have been fired, unless they are one of the not so favoured teams who always make the playoffs but hang on to the coach, like barry trots and as long as Lindy ruff was with the Sabres.

Metal Mike, Canada's #1 Penguins Fan.

Agreed...