A look at some NHL coaches and GMs feeling the heat two months into the season
At least one NHL head coach has been fired by Dec. 8 since the 2013-14 season, with an average of four getting dismissed before the conclusion of the 82-game schedule. None of the league’s 31 teams have made anyone walk the plank yet in 2017-18, but there are a few head coaches, and even a couple of general managers, feeling the heat just two months into the campaign.
The Canadian Press takes a look at some of the coaches and GMs who could be in trouble if things don’t turn around soon.
Todd McLellan
The head coach of the Edmonton Oilers became increasingly frustrated as the club picked by many to challenge for the Stanley Cup this season stumbled badly out of the gate. Edmonton was on a two-game winning streak — including a 3-2 overtime victory against lowly Arizona earlier this week — heading into Thursday’s action after losing five straight in regulation and seven of eight overall (1-6-1). But the Oilers, who sit second-last in the Western Conference with a 10-13-2 record, remain five points out of a playoff spot. Perhaps more importantly, Connor McDavid’s club will have to climb over five teams to reach the post-season after making the second round last spring.