Fansided

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 /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
20 of 31
Next
Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

#12: Alain Vigneault

There has been a lot of criticism directed as New York Rangers head coach Alain Vigneault due to his lineup optimization. That might be true, but despite that flaw (which in fairness is one that could be applied to virtually any NHL head coach), his track record speaks for itself. He has made the NHL playoffs in each of his last seven seasons and has all but ensured himself of his eighth straight playoff appearance.

Part of Vigneault’s lineup optimization issues revolve around things that he can’t control. Is it his fault that he’s all but forced to play Dan Girard and Marc Staal (two of the expensive contracts on the team)? His use of Tanner Glass over a multitude of more skilled forwards deserves to be criticized, but other than that, Vigneault’s lineup decisions aren’t terrible.

Vigneault is good at getting the most out of his team and he tends to match lines quite well. He put that on display during the Eastern Conference Semifinals last season against the Capitals, consistently getting his fast forwards out against the Caps slower defensive pairings and forward lines.

As with any NHL head coach, Vigneault has his flaws. It’s hard to argue with his track record though. He’s clearly doing something right.

Next: #11: Peter Laviolette

Home/Anaheim Ducks