NHL Coaches On The Hot Seat

We’re into week 6 of the 2010-2011 NHL season and some coaches are already feeling the pressure.

Everyone from the current longest-tenured coach in the NHL Lindy Ruff to Ron Wilson have been subjected to rumours and many are starting to question who will keep their coaching jobs.

Some, like Washington Capitals coach Bruce Boudreau, have a lot riding on what this year’s playoff performance will bring, especially since many are expecting the Capitals to make the playoffs.

This list, however, focuses on those who may not keep their coaching jobs through the season.

John MacLean: New Jersey Devils

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NEWARK, NJ - OCTOBER 16: John MacLean head coach of the New Jersey Devils watches the game action against the Boston Bruins during the second period at the Prudential Center on October 16, 2010 in Newark, New Jersey. The Bruins defeated the Devils 4-1. (P

New Jersey Devils current record: 4-10-1

Rookie NHL head coach John MacLean is definitely feeling the pressure after a bad start for the Devils.  While they have run into injury trouble – the main ones being Zach Parise’s three-month injury and the recent less-severe injury to Martin Brodeur – no one can really understand the struggles the Devils have been facing.

After pouring $100 million and 15 years into Ilya Kovalchuk, many were expecting brilliant results. Instead, it appears as though Kovalchuk and MacLean are at odds, with Kovalchuk already being benched once this season. This certainly didn't help the Devils’ scoring troubles, seeing that they’re last in the league with only 25 goals for.

We can only wait and see how long Lou Lamoriello will give MacLean to turn things around. After nine years as a member of the Devils’ coaching staff, many, including Brent Sutter after his resignation, believed MacLean was ready for this position. If this skid with the Devils continues for long, I can’t picture MacLean lasting the season.

Paul Maurice: Carolina Hurricanes

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ATLANTA - SEPTEMBER 25: Head Coach Paul Maurice of the Carolina Hurricanes disputes a call during the game against the Atlanta Thrashers at Philips Arena on September 25, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. The Hurricanes won 1-0. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty I

Carolina Hurricanes Current Record: 7-7-0

After being re-hired to take over the head coach job for the Hurricanes from Peter Laviolette in December of 2008, Paul Maurice has had some highlights and some low, lowlights with the 'Canes.

The ‘Canes had a strong and surprising playoff performance in 2009, reaching the Conference Finals, only to fall to 11^th place in the Eastern Conference in 2010.

The pressure is on Maurice this year. After a pretty abysmal start, the ‘Canes are now at .500 and are starting to show some relative signs of life. However, if the ‘Canes end up on a bad streak through November and December, it wouldn't be too surprising to see Maurice gone.

Randy Carlyle: Anaheim Ducks

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LONDON - SEPTEMBER 28: Randy Caryle, head coach of the Anaheim Ducks looks on during a practice session at the O2 Arena on September 28, 2007 in Greenwich, London, England. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

Anaheim Ducks Current Record: 7-7-1

Initially being hounded by the media, Randy Carlyle looked to be the one many were pointing the finger at for the Duck’s bad start. After missing the playoffs in the 2009/2010 season, Carlyle needs to turn things around this year.

Though the Ducks have recently shown signs of improvement, they’re still averaging 37 shots against per game. In the eyes of many critics, heavily relying on goaltender Jonas Hiller can only last so long.

However, GM Bob Murray has openly stated that Carlyle’s job is safe and that he does not blame Carlyle for the Ducks’ woes. While it’s clear that the GM and head coach have a strong relationship, this may end up hindering the Ducks rather than helping them.

Seeing that the two have such a strong relationship, it’s unlikely that Carlyle would lose his job before the season ends. If the Ducks miss the playoffs again, it may be another story.

The Long Shots: Ron Wilson, Brent Sutter, Lindy Ruff

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TORONTO, ON - NOVEMBER 06: Head coach Lindy Ruff of the Buffalo Sabres gives players directions in their game against the Toronto Maple Leafs at the Air Canada Centre on November 6, 2010 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

Toronto Maple Leafs Current Record: 5-5-3

Calgary Flames Current Record: 6-7-0

Buffalo Sabres Current Record: 4-9-2

These three coaches are all currently in the hot seat, but it’s highly unlikely that any of them will be fired before the season ends.

Ron Wilson has had far less than success with the Toronto Maple Leafs and their recent skid, after a 4-0 start, has the media blaming him for the Leafs’ woes.

However, I would be shocked to see him gone before the season ends. GM Brian Burke has stated countless times that Wilson is his “guy” and clearly is loyal to Wilson. In spite of this, I’d expect Wilson gone if the Leafs were to not make the playoffs again this year.

It’s a similar situation with Calgary Flames’ Brent Sutter, especially given that the GM and head coach are brothers.

The Flames are off to a mediocre start, with a momentary few games of brilliance only to end up in an awful four game losing streak. The Flames missed the playoffs last year under coach Sutter and things aren't looking good so far.

Given the stubbornness of GM Darryl Sutter, it’s unlikely he’ll fire his brother before the season ends. If the Flames miss the playoffs again this year, Darryl may be gone as well.

Lindy Ruff is a different situation. Yes, the Sabres have gotten off to a rough start, and the media has been quick to blame Ruff, but I’d wait before his coaching is questioned.

The current longest-tenured coach in the NHL, Ruff has shown time and time again that he knows what he’s doing. Since the lockout, the Sabres have been to two Conference Finals, won two Division titles, and have won the President’s Trophy once. That’s a pretty impressive record.

Even if the Sabres continue their recent losing ways and end up missing the playoffs, I wouldn't be surprised if Ruff got a pass.