Hockey13Playa 240 Report post Posted June 26, 2012 Looks like the Caps found their man... http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=636123 New Jersey Devils assistant coach Adam Oates appears to be the choice as next coach of the Washington Capitals. TSN's Darren Dreger reported the Caps finally have made their decision on the man to replace Dale Hunter, who chose not to return to the team after Washington was eliminated in the second round of the 2012 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Oates never has been a head coach at the professional level. Last season was his second season with the Devils, and he also worked as an assistant coach with the Tampa Bay Lightning in the 2009-10 season. If Oates is hired, he will be the fifth straight coach hired by GM George McPhee that had no previous experience as an NHL head coach, a list that also includes Bruce Cassidy, Glen Hanlon, Bruce Boudreauand Hunter. Oates' main job with New Jersey was running the team's power play, and that unit made great strides in 2011-12. In 2010-11, the Devils' power play was 28th in the League at 14.4 percent; last season it improved to 14th, succeeding at a 17.2-percent clip. Offense never was an issue for Oates during his 19-season NHL career with seven teams -- including parts of six seasons with the Capitals. His 1,079 assists are sixth all-time in League history, and his 1,420 points are 16th. The Capitals finished seventh in the Eastern Conference last season with 92 points, but upset the Boston Bruins in the first round and took the New York Rangers to a seventh game before losing in the second round. They had their most success under the defensive-minded Hunter, but with top-flight offensive talents likeAlex Ovechkin, Nicklas Backstrom and Mike Green, it will be interesting to see if he pushes the tempo similar to when Boudreau was in charge. McPhee reportedly narrowed his final list to former Chicago Blackhawks assistant coach Mike Haviland and Jon Cooper, coach of the Norfolk Admirals of the American Hockey League. McPhee wouldn't comment on his final list of candidates when asked about the coaching situation at the 2012 NHL Draft last week, but said he was very happy with the process. "I can pick any of them and I think we'll be in good shape," he said. "They're really good candidates. The hard part is picking the best one or the best fit because they're all terrific. I've really enjoyed meeting these people and spending time with them. They're really good." Ehh after re-reading that I noticed it might be a little bit premature. Still not 100% awake Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wingslogo19 281 Report post Posted June 26, 2012 I've always like Oates, so good for him Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
turbowhistle86 155 Report post Posted June 26, 2012 After Bruce the Bum, I think nearly anyone would be an improvement. Glad Oates got his chance though. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jaymister 71 Report post Posted June 26, 2012 After Bruce the Bum, I think nearly anyone would be an improvement. Glad Oates got his chance though. Ya Bruce is so terrible, that's why he was signed by the Ducks just after being let go by the Caps. 1 turbowhistle86 reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
turbowhistle86 155 Report post Posted June 26, 2012 So because another team signed him he's automatically a great coach? By logic, Lebda is a great defenseman because another team signed him. 1 Z Winged Dangler reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jaymister 71 Report post Posted June 26, 2012 So because another team signed him he's automatically a great coach? By logic, Lebda is a great defenseman because another team signed him. He's a winning coach, that's what counts. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
evilzyme 769 Report post Posted June 26, 2012 Parise to Washington Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cusimano_brothers 1,655 Report post Posted June 27, 2012 He sure hit the daily double today. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Hatethedrake! Report post Posted June 27, 2012 This is very exciting. I was expecting Ovie to be named the Caps new head coach. 1 Z Winged Dangler reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Z Winged Dangler 2,082 Report post Posted June 27, 2012 This is very exciting. I was expecting Ovie to be named the Caps new head coach. Like Reggie Dunlop....beauty! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites