Gerard Gallant won the Jack Adams Award as NHL coach of the year last season. So, with a team that owns a record of 12-12-1 after 25 games, he can't be doing a better job right now than he did last season. Or can he?
Gallant's name isn't on any of the early season lists of candidates for the Jack Adams. His team only just this weekend popped into the playoff picture. But Gallant's genius, which is quiet and never boastful, has stealthily guided the Vegas Golden Knights through a most difficult stretch.
While there were shrieks of panic from some corners, Gallant calmly has gone about his business. It's about building a team which will endure the regular season and peak as the playoffs begin. Certainly, wins in October and November are important in the process of qualifying for the postseason. But rash decisions in the first quarter of the season don't a champion make. Gallant needed to exercise patience with his lineup and help them deal with injuries to key cogs such as Erik Haula, Max Pacioretty, Alex Tuch and Paul Stastny as well as a 20-game suspension to Nate Schmidt.
Gallant Keeps Sights Set Through Adversity
