Is Tocchet on the Penguins Coaching Docket?
I confess, when Rick Tocchet stepped down as Canucks coach a day after the Penguins parted ways with long-time coach Mike Sullivan, the wheels began to turn.
After all, it would be easy enough to connect the dots. A warrior winger renown for his ferocity during his playing days, Tocchet was a driving, two-fisted force behind the Pens’ second Cup triumph in 1992 and won two more Cups while serving as an assistant to Sullivan. An assignment that re-launched Tocchet’s head coaching career.
There was a time a couple of years ago when I would’ve swapped out Sully for Tocchet, and gladly.
But now?
I’m just not sure he’d be a good fit for where we are as a team.
On the plus side, last season’s Jack Adams winner preaches accountability and he’s well-versed in the up-tempo style the Pens have traditionally played under Sullivan. He has an established relationship (presumed to be good) with our core three of Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang. No small consideration.
A trait I’d personally regard as a huge plus?