Howlin' Hockey
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Could coaching changes around the league impact the Arizona Coyotes?

By Jim Lynch

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - JANUARY 14: Evander Kane #9 of the San Jose Sharks skates with the puck against Niklas Hjalmarsson #4 of the Arizona Coyotes during the third period of the NHL game at Gila River Arena on January 14, 2020 in Glendale, Arizona. The Coyotes defeated the Sharks 6-3. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - JANUARY 14: Evander Kane #9 of the San Jose Sharks skates with the puck against Niklas Hjalmarsson #4 of the Arizona Coyotes during the third period of the NHL game at Gila River Arena on January 14, 2020 in Glendale, Arizona. The Coyotes defeated the Sharks 6-3. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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At the beginning of the season, so many NHL teams had different coaches. The question now for the Arizona Coyotes, do they have anything to worry about?

The Vegas Golden Knights just 2 weeks ago were on the top of the division and were on pace to make yet another deep playoff run. 4 losses later and they let go their head coach Gerard Gallant. Now when I look at the Coyotes I wonder do we have to worry about a similar situation?

Think about it. All of the pieces are lined up for the Coyotes. We have star power in Clayton Keller, Taylor Hall, and Phil Kessel, you have veteran leadership in Niklas Hjalmarsson and Oliver Ekman-Larsson, and you have great coaching in Rick Tocchet and his staff. However, if this season has taught us anything it is that things change quickly.

Gerard Gallant, Peter Laviolette, Bill Peters, Jim Mongomery, Mike Babcock, John Hynes, and Peter DeBoer have all been fired in-season by their respective teams. It really makes me wonder could the Coyotes pull a similar stunt if they lose 4 or 5 games? I wrote a similar piece a while ago and it was not received well by fans, but let me elaborate a little.

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I am not suggesting that the Arizona Coyotes are going to fire their coach or that they should. I am nearly stating that the new norm is changing coaches no matter what the stature.

Changing a coach has become a momentum change for teams. We all remember how Toronto responded, and Vegas is hoping to do something similar. I am just saying that I hope fans and media alike do not call for coach’s jobs after a team losing 3 or 4 games straight.

I am sure Rick Tocchet’s job is safe with the Arizona Coyotes right now. However I look around the league and if I was the coach of a team like Colorado, Edmonton, or Tampa I would hope I don’t go on a losing streak because I too might be out of a job.

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