Hynes has 41 games to get the Predators back into a playoff spot, something he and Poile, as well as the players, feel is certainly doable, but it's going to take some work. That's where Hynes comes in, and as he becomes acclimated to his new surroundings, he plans on identifying exactly what needs to be changed on the team.
"There needs to be tweaks on certain things that we'll go through, but I think it needs to be a bit of a slow process," Hynes said. "The most important thing is trying to maximize the players mentally, physically, get them to play at a higher level. Over the course of that time, we'll be able to make some slight adjustments, but the players can't overthink. It's a good group of players, they're very competitive and we've got to get them to play that way."
Nashville's new bench boss says he wants his club to play a fast game with an aggressive forecheck and a shot mentality with five guys involved on the offense. On the defensive side of the puck, Hynes expects sound structure when the Preds are in their own end, a commitment to good habits before going back on the offensive.
Of course, there will be mistakes along the way, but the Poile believes one of his team's greatest issues this season has been consistency, or lack thereof at key times of games. It's up to Hynes to find a way to change it, while getting the most out of his players.
"The reason why we're in the situation we're in is we have to elevate the performance of the team," Hynes said. "To elevate the performance of the team, you have to have strong performances individually… in short order here … It's a clean slate for the players, which is a bonus for them, but every game you play there's an evaluation. From there over the next few days here, [I'll] be able to meet with guys one on one. That way, everyone's on the same page."
Hynes also discussed his philosophy as a coach and finding that balance between hockey and life. At the NHL level, winning games is paramount, but he believes it's imperative to have harmony among different elements that come along with being a professional athlete.
"I really like to communicate, and when it's time to work, you work," Hynes said. "I do believe in being very direct in your message where there's not a lot of gray area and how we're going to play or how we want to do things… Around the game, there has to be a certain level of intensity and focus that you need to have, but in the players' lounge, on the plane, I'm easy to talk to. I do like to socialize, and I've got a life outside of the game. When you talk to players that have played under me, there is an intensity and directness, but there's also a human side. Even the players are humans too, and it can't be hockey nonstop."
The task that lies ahead - not only in the next three months, but in the years to come - is a demanding one, but it comes with the territory. Hynes is up for the challenge, and he can't wait to get started.
Also, it's worth mentioning, he's rather eager to do so in Nashville, Tennessee.
"The Nashville job is special," Hynes said. "The fan base here is unbelievable. When you come in as an opposing team, you really know that it's going to be an energized building. The atmosphere is fantastic, and the fan support for the players and the team and the community is second to none in the NHL. Even as a road team, it's an extremely exciting building to play in. It's a difficult building to play in, so I can only imagine what it's like when you have the whole building on your side. I'm certainly excited for that."
