Potential Bruins Coaching Candidates Available After Capitals Eliminated

The Boston Bruins weren’t part of the first wave of head coaching hires, but more candidates will become available the further the Stanley Cup playoffs get.

Two potential candidates emerged after the Carolina Hurricanes surprisingly knocked out the top-seeded Washington Capitals in five games. The Bruins could consider assistants Mitch Love and Kirk Muller.

Love finished his second season on Spencer Carbery’s staff. The 40-year-old was entrusted to lead Washington’s defense, which was fifth in penalty kill percentage and 10th in shots against per game in the regular season. The former enforcer has two years of AHL head coaching experience with the Stockton Heat and Calgary Wranglers.

Muller also finished his second season on Carbery’s staff. Similar to Love, Muller fits the Bruins’ desire for a stronger defensive structure. The 1993 Stanley Cup champion took a defense-first philosophy from his previous bosses: Darryl Sutter (Calgary), Claude Julien (Montreal Canadiens) and Ken Hitchcock (St. Louis Blues). Muller coached Elias Lindholm when they were on the Carolina Hurricanes, whom he coached from 2011-14.

General manager Don Sweeney confirmed there was at least one head coach candidate from a playoff team, and it’s possible Love or Muller fit that description.