TURN, TURN, TURN
ST. LOUIS BLUES
In Ken Hitchcock
Out Davis Payne
Reason for the change
The Blues are a big team and are built to play physical, but that element was missing during a 6-7-0 start. Doug Armstrong became the first G.M. in the NHL to swing his ax, cutting Payne loose on Nov. 6 after only one full season and a career record of 67-55-15.
Will it work?
So far Hitchcock, who won a Cup with the Stars in 1999, has brought fire, focus, and energy to St. Louis—as well as the physical edge for which his teams are renowned—going 8-2-3 through Sunday. The Blues' talented young players have responded well, and the club should make the playoffs.
CAROLINA HURRICANES
In Kirk Muller
Out Paul Maurice
Reason for the change
After spending handsomely on unrestricted free agents Anthony Stewart, Alexei Ponikarovsky and Tomas Kaberle, Carolina was off to a 8-13-4 start. Star forward Eric Staal has looked awful (five goals, nine assists, --17), and the Hurricanes were playing soft.
Will it work?
The passionate Muller will bring great energy and should have Carolina digging hard every night. Watch for the club to become much more aggressive in all facets of the game, especially on the forecheck and the penalty kill. But making the playoffs will be tough.
ANAHEIM DUCKS
In Bruce Boudreau
Out Randy Carlyle
Reason for the change
Like a lot of highly demanding coaches, Carlyle came to the Ducks with a short shelf life, and after six years the 2007 Cup winner was past his expiration date. He's a good coach, but the Anaheim players had simply had enough.
Will it work?
General manager Bob Murray was clearly looking for someone to change the environment on his club, and the affable Boudreau, who isn't afraid to let his players get creative, will certainly do that. A postseason berth is a long shot, but the fact that Murray pulled the trigger quickly at least gives the Ducks a better chance.
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RON CHENOY/US PRESSWIRE (HITCHCOCK)
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ANDY MEAD/YCJ/ICON SMI (MULLER)
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JAKE ROTH/US PRESSWIRE (BOUDREAU)