Blackhawks: Coaching Candidates who could take the reins right now

Remember earlier when I mentioned that Marc Crawford was an interim coach? It was after Guy Boucher, who took the Ottawa Senators to the Eastern Conference final was fired. That series against Pittsburgh was great, and Ottawa missed the Stanley Cup Final by a single goal in a Game 7 double-overtime thriller. It was a great run, and maybe even a better Cinderella story than Montreal’s path to the Stanley Cup final just this last season.

If Boucher were interested, would be the guy? He’s had success and will get results. However, people have criticized him for coaching teams to play boring hockey with his 1-3-1 approach that can be a real game killer. Stifling defence and opportunistic goals. It’s a recipe for success, but not for fun.

He’s been around and has quality NHL experience. The situation in Ottawa wasn’t his fault either. Shortly after the Senators didn’t make the Stanley Cup Final, the team was broken up, including the departure of captain Erik Karlsson.

The issue with Boucher, in particular, is his very mixed track record. He hasn’t won any awards at the NHL level, and his track record is a bit mixed. He has a lifetime winning percentage of just over 500 (.505), so it could go either way. He is, regardless, an experienced and capable coach that is likely available right now. There wouldn’t even be any of the awkward conversations about him coaching a rival team.