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NHL Power Rankings: Who is the best head coach in the league?

By Dave Stevenson

Jun 26, 2015; Sunrise, FL, USA; A general view of the NHL shield logo before the first round of the 2015 NHL Draft at BB&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 26, 2015; Sunrise, FL, USA; A general view of the NHL shield logo before the first round of the 2015 NHL Draft at BB&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports /

#14: Peter DeBoer

Much like Hitchcock, Peter DeBoer of the San Jose Sharks has risen his stock since the season began. DeBoer joined the Sharks after an unsuccessful tenure with the New Jersey Devils. Questions were asked if DeBoer could handle the Sharks roster and if he would utilize the team’s offensive abilities properly after being with an offensively inept Devils squad. He answered those questions with a resounding “yes”.

DeBoer has fixed the Sharks defensive issues with the help of defenseman Paul Martin. Martin was brought in to provide a defenseman who excelled in the defensive zone. He has primarily been paired with Wookie defenseman Brent Burns. Being paired with Martin has done wonders for Burns. His offense has shined this season and he seems a lot more comfortable than he did last season. Props to DeBoer for helping to utilize such a unique player in Burns.

The Sharks have been suffocating teams defensively when they’ve needed to while still generating offensive pressure like the Sharks of old. That could make them a dark horse Stanley Cup pick in the NHL playoffs. DeBoer ought to be getting Jack Adams votes considering how he has the Sharks playing and how quickly he has implemented his system.

Next: #13: Mike Sullivan

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