3 Head Coaches Who Are On the Hot Seat
The NHL season turns the calendar into November and there's a number of teams who are disappointing their fan bases so far. While there's yet to be any massive changes made around the league, that doesn't mean there won't be some news dropping soon if things don't turn around.
Here's three NHL head coaches who are on the hot seat heading into November:
Mike Sullivan, Pittsburgh Penguins
Yes, it will take a lot for new GM Kyle Dubas to walk away from Mike Sullivan behind the bench but there could come a time where he loses the dressing room. So far the Pens are struggling this season to a record of 3-6-0, good for last in the division. Tristan Jarry has been awful and the Penguins can't find ways to score goals. It could be time for a new voice in Pittsburgh considering how many veterans they have and how they're not going anywhere. If things don't turn around in November, there could be a coaching change.
DJ Smith, Ottawa Senators
The rebuild is over and GM Pierre Dorion and the new ownership want results. So far the Sens have been very inconsistent, producing a 4-4-0 record. Dorion wants to make the Stanley Cup Playoffs this season so if the Senators aren't able to take advantage of having eight of their nine November games at home, look for Smith to be shown the door.
Jay Woodcroft, Edmonton Oilers
The Oilers have started 2-5-1 and things need to change in a hurry for Woodcroft to keep his job. The Oilers have made trades, they've signed some big names to big contracts and now it's time to get back into contender territory. Woodcroft needs to be sharp this month and get the team back on track. If the Oilers continue to creep down the standings and out of the playoff picture there's no doubt a coaching change is coming. Should it be the move? Likely not, but that's not how hockey works. Easier to fire a coach than trade away 10 players.
Photo credit: Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports
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