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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: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /

#8: Lindy Ruff

It’s quite ironic and a bit poetic that the Dallas Stars head coach is Lindy Ruff, the same head coach that they screwed over back in 1999 when they played the Buffalo Sabres in the Stanley Cup Final. Ruff has a career point percentage of 56.5 percent as of March 24. Keep in mind that he hasn’t been gifted many good times, as his Sabres teams were primarily led by arguably the best NHL goaltender of all-time in Dominik Hasek. He has seen success in Dallas, however, taking them to the second round of the playoffs in 2013-2014.

Ruff was a more defense focused coach in Buffalo but he has shown his adaptability by taking advantage of the embarrassment of riches that the Stars have at the forward position. He has made the most of a mostly sub-par blue line in Dallas and has the Stars primed to make a playoff run.

Lindy Ruff has never been put in ideal situations as a head coach but still has had a ton of success in the NHL. That’s something that should be celebrated. Put Dominik Hasek on the 2015-2016 Dallas Stars and he’d finally win a Stanley Cup (assuming the NHL doesn’t mysteriously get rid of rules without explanation like that shenanigan in 1999).

Next: #7: Dan Bylsma

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