Jack Adams Trophy: One Man Race

When it comes to the 2010 Jack Adams Trophy, one man is running away with the show.

Dave Tippet is that man.

The Head Coach of the Phoenix Coyotes has worked some kind of magic this season, having a 46-22-5 record with the club and as of right now, the division lead and a tie for the Conference lead. 

46 wins in a single season is a franchise record, with still 9 games remaining. The current 9 game winning streak is the longest in 1998. The Coyotes have gone from 13th (36-39-7) in the West last year to having a legitimate chance at first in the Conference.  

Remarkable records considering the circumstance. Only months ago, the entire franchise was in doubt, they had no owner that wanted to keep the team in Phoenix, Wayne Gretzky had stepped down as head coach and the team was caught in the middle of a court battle with Gary Bettman and Jim Balsillie over custody of the team.

With many questions about the future of the club, it would have been easy to call this season a wash. Tippet would not give up on the team, when it seemed as though everyone else had.  

Tippet has done so much for the team, not only turning them into Stanley Cup contenders, but maybe even saving the franchise. Attendance has skyrocketed, from as little as 5,855 on November 2nd to a sell out crowd against the Blackhawks on Friday Night.

Hockey games have suddenly become a hot ticket in Phoenix, something unforseen in years. Dave Tippet is responsible.

Dave Tippet has to be The Coach of the Year, bar none.