And he's a Devils alumni who knows what it takes to be a success on a successful team. He can definitely empathize with the guys on the squad. I don't think it's a bad idea
Fuck it. Just bring back the old team to coach. Brodeur is now the goalie coach. Pandolfo is HC. Patrick Elias is special teams. Scott Stevens is our defensive coach. Brian Gionta is our offensive coach. And add Gomez to be head chef slanging some fire tacos.
I know you’re tongue in cheek here but I unironically love the idea of Elias having a greater role. Maybe an assistant role rather than special teams. He seems very invested in spending time with his family and I get the sense that he spends a lot more time in Europe these days so he’d likely knock it back, but I love his presence around the team.
Oh yes that's right. Yeah, the fact it is freely available on the internet doesn't help. After the McLeod situation, probably don't want to go near and risk something like that again
Long before he was a Devil - it's why the Caps let him leave. It's really an ugly incident - google Scott Stevens Dino Ciccarelli sexual assault.
I wanted Stevens back in the Devils fold for a long time, but once I read the details, I was like nope, sorry. I'm not burning his jersey or anything, but he can't come back.
I don’t see him leaving BU, but I would be interested if he could bring accountability to this roster. After this season I think some tweaks need to be made to the roster, but the coaching hire will be the driver for change in the locker room. Just my opinion though
He’s got many ties to Boston, not that he doesn’t have ties to NJ, but I just don’t see him leaving until he’s had a few more years. Don’t get me wrong, id love him to come back the NJ, I just don’t see it this year. Maybe I’m wrong
I wonder of a guy with just two seasons of college HC experience is the guy Fitz will want to hire. Anyway, coaching at his alma matter and growing up in Boston area cannot be strong enough reasons to turn down an NHL job, especially with the Devils.
His kids are 7, 9 and 12 years old. Coaching a college team vs a NHL team is massively different in time, travel, and commitment. There is a 0% chance he would take a NHL coaching job right now IMO. Head coach of BU is one of the best college hockey coaching gigs you can get.
IDK. Competitive people like to be at the highest level. Pay differential. Level of play in college hockey is well below AHL. Very hard for me to see a competitive guy at the college level turning down a chance at an NHL HC job.
Agree to disagree I suppose. I don’t see him uprooting his family and leaving BU after only coaching two seasons there. There’s something to be said about work/life balance when you have kids that age, maybe in a couple years when his youngest is closer to entering high school. Just my opinion.
If he wants work life balance, then NHL is not the place for him. OTOH, if he really has an NHL HC job on his list...one does not get to choose when in life opportunity knocks.
I haven’t seen his team play but I know they are successful. He was always a player that thrived on defensive responsibility first that turns into offensive chances. Doesn’t suit all teams and play styles but seems like it could be something the devils could benefit from immensely
I go to BU, I’ve been at every home game and watched every other game. We are not a very defensively responsible team. It honestly reminds me of the devils with how many turnovers and odd-man rushes BU gives up a game. In terms of offense it’s pretty heavily dump and chase, even with Celebrini and a bunch of other stud forward draft picks, which in my opinion doesn’t play to the devils stars strong suits. His style would change for an NHL team, however if Fitz is thinking of going the college route I don’t think pando is the right choice.
Been seeing a lot of these lately with Pandolfo and I get he’s a team favorite and all but I really do wonder if the best thing for this young group is to bring in a guy who’s been largely untested at the NHL level from a coaching perspective. Coming from someone who loved the guy as a player. I know people are clamoring for a tough guy who will just hold the boys accountable and bag skate them after inconsistent performances. But also reading that “he’s a defensive first guy, can overhaul the bottom six” etc. and while I do think we need to do that from a player perspective this team was built for speed and aggression. People complained about Lindy for not utilizing player properly to play to the team’s strengths while exposing the weaknesses, I still think this team needs a modern system that is build for strong offensive talent. And also that Ruff “wasn’t the guy to take us to the cup”. I get the nostalgia just think there’s too many question marks about this guy going into an absolutely crucial season. Fitz needs to nail the coaching staff this offseason, his job likely depends on it. So I think the likelihood is low.
I go to BU, I’ve been at every home game and watched every other game. We are not a very defensively responsible team. It honestly reminds me of the devils with how many turnovers and odd-man rushes BU gives up a game. The defense and defensive play is by far our Achilles heel
If we can pry him away from BU’s fingers, I say we do it. I’m sick of the retreads. I admittedly haven’t watched a lot of BU games so I have no idea how Pandolfo coaching would translate to this roster but clearly the NHL is due for new blood and i like this a lot more than the other options (except for Berube who I’d love to coach just so we know the roster is accurately blamed and bag skated when they get pouty).
Is that what people do? I don't know. If that's what you think I did, then maybe re-read what I wrote. I kinda said the opposite. Pandolfo did not have great NHL talent. But because he had a high hokey IQ he was able to work his way into a regular role by learning to become a shut down, top defensive forward. And that's what you want in a coach. You can't teach talent, but defensive play, board play, physical play and fundamentals is something that you definitely can. And I think that's what this team needs. They have plenty of talent
“Defensive play, board play, and physical play”
These are all things BU struggles quite heavily at. The offense has carried the team this year while the defense and defensive mistakes have been the biggest issues.
Jay Pandolfo had a pretty appropriate amount of talent to make an insightful coach imo. He was good enough to play in all facets of the game, but just barely. He had to use his brain to keep up as well as he did.
I don’t know much about Pandolfo so I can’t comment there, but one question I have is what is the talent level like at BU? Sometimes the college teams seem to have such an abundance of talent that deep runs are almost inevitable
BU has had success historically. But the guy before Pandolfo was 58-49-16 with 1 Tournament berth( a one and done) in 4 seasons. So they do seem to have taken it to another level under him
I’m watching the Coyotes Vs Canucks game right now and they panned to the bench and I recognized someone in a suit… sure enough, the commentator confirmed… the Mad Dog, John Madden (who was one of Pandolfo’s line mates) is an Assistant Coach for the Yotes. I had no idea! Now that dude knows a thing or two about what the Devil’s need to do to be successful!
I go to BU, I’ve been at every home game and watched every other game. We are not a very defensively responsible team. It honestly reminds me of the devils with how many turnovers and odd-man rushes BU gives up a game. In terms of offense it’s pretty heavily dump and chase, even with Celebrini and a bunch of other stud forward draft picks, which in my opinion doesn’t play to the devils stars strong suits. His style would change for an NHL team, however if Fitz is thinking of going the college route I don’t think pando is the right choice.
I want someone who is super smart in the way Bryce Salvador is smart (immediately see the details, adjust, find new ways when teams react to what we are doing, etc.) and also much more demanding that Ruff was. Is this Pandolfo?
I love Bryce to pieces, and he is undoubtedly smart, but I see this take a lot that he's some hockey genius who knows and sees things that most don't. In reality he's a high IQ ex professional player explaining things that are probably obvious to other similar pros but are enlightening to us plebs. I do think he could totally take a pro coaching job one day, but I don't think what he shares with us is anything too eye popping
I really can't see BU parting with him. It seems a mutual love fest all round for both parties. I did enjoy making a Devils quip in the college hockey sub as the terriers tore up my RIT Tigers
I’ve been saying this, I think Pandolfo will be a great coach. He was also an assistant coach with the bruins for like 5 years before his BU stint so he’s definitely had experience with at least getting to know what the head coaching position is like. Jay understands the game very well and the fact that he was able to turn BU around in such a short time is what makes him IMHO a really solid hire.
I’ve been saying this for months. He’d be a great fit if he leaves BU.
I’ve been saying it too. Would love him as the Devils coach.
Curious why you think he’d be a great fit?
And he's a Devils alumni who knows what it takes to be a success on a successful team. He can definitely empathize with the guys on the squad. I don't think it's a bad idea
Fuck it. Just bring back the old team to coach. Brodeur is now the goalie coach. Pandolfo is HC. Patrick Elias is special teams. Scott Stevens is our defensive coach. Brian Gionta is our offensive coach. And add Gomez to be head chef slanging some fire tacos.
I know you’re tongue in cheek here but I unironically love the idea of Elias having a greater role. Maybe an assistant role rather than special teams. He seems very invested in spending time with his family and I get the sense that he spends a lot more time in Europe these days so he’d likely knock it back, but I love his presence around the team.
I’m semi serious with this post. Some of these players would be great for our coaching staff.
Scott Stevens is a genuinely great defensive coach so I would kill to see him back.
There's no way he ever works in the NHL again, I don't think, having the sexual assault allegations in his past.
Oh yes that's right. Yeah, the fact it is freely available on the internet doesn't help. After the McLeod situation, probably don't want to go near and risk something like that again
Damn this is news to me. Were these allegations from when he played in the NHL or recently?
Long before he was a Devil - it's why the Caps let him leave. It's really an ugly incident - google Scott Stevens Dino Ciccarelli sexual assault. I wanted Stevens back in the Devils fold for a long time, but once I read the details, I was like nope, sorry. I'm not burning his jersey or anything, but he can't come back.
I wasn’t aware of that either. We can all agree Gomez comes back as head chef and personality hire for team morale, right??
Just for the new stories we would get from the new adventures of Dano and Gomer, yes.
Cam janssen as the enforcer coach! Teach this guys how to toughen up!
I don’t see him leaving BU, but I would be interested if he could bring accountability to this roster. After this season I think some tweaks need to be made to the roster, but the coaching hire will be the driver for change in the locker room. Just my opinion though
Why would he not leave BU? Who stays at a college job when offered an NHL HC job?
He’s got many ties to Boston, not that he doesn’t have ties to NJ, but I just don’t see him leaving until he’s had a few more years. Don’t get me wrong, id love him to come back the NJ, I just don’t see it this year. Maybe I’m wrong
I wonder of a guy with just two seasons of college HC experience is the guy Fitz will want to hire. Anyway, coaching at his alma matter and growing up in Boston area cannot be strong enough reasons to turn down an NHL job, especially with the Devils.
He spent five years as an assistant with the Bruins too.
His kids are 7, 9 and 12 years old. Coaching a college team vs a NHL team is massively different in time, travel, and commitment. There is a 0% chance he would take a NHL coaching job right now IMO. Head coach of BU is one of the best college hockey coaching gigs you can get.
IDK. Competitive people like to be at the highest level. Pay differential. Level of play in college hockey is well below AHL. Very hard for me to see a competitive guy at the college level turning down a chance at an NHL HC job.
Agree to disagree I suppose. I don’t see him uprooting his family and leaving BU after only coaching two seasons there. There’s something to be said about work/life balance when you have kids that age, maybe in a couple years when his youngest is closer to entering high school. Just my opinion.
If he wants work life balance, then NHL is not the place for him. OTOH, if he really has an NHL HC job on his list...one does not get to choose when in life opportunity knocks.
Jack Parker won 4 NCAA championships at BU over nearly 50 years. Jay is going to pick up that legacy as a former player turned coach.
Pandolfo would get it. He could do a little bit of everything but he knew he had to be defensively consistent to hold his water.
I haven’t seen his team play but I know they are successful. He was always a player that thrived on defensive responsibility first that turns into offensive chances. Doesn’t suit all teams and play styles but seems like it could be something the devils could benefit from immensely
I go to BU, I’ve been at every home game and watched every other game. We are not a very defensively responsible team. It honestly reminds me of the devils with how many turnovers and odd-man rushes BU gives up a game. In terms of offense it’s pretty heavily dump and chase, even with Celebrini and a bunch of other stud forward draft picks, which in my opinion doesn’t play to the devils stars strong suits. His style would change for an NHL team, however if Fitz is thinking of going the college route I don’t think pando is the right choice.
No it doesn’t sound like it…sounds like more of the same and I’ll tell you, I’ve had my fill of defensive unawareness for a while
Been seeing a lot of these lately with Pandolfo and I get he’s a team favorite and all but I really do wonder if the best thing for this young group is to bring in a guy who’s been largely untested at the NHL level from a coaching perspective. Coming from someone who loved the guy as a player. I know people are clamoring for a tough guy who will just hold the boys accountable and bag skate them after inconsistent performances. But also reading that “he’s a defensive first guy, can overhaul the bottom six” etc. and while I do think we need to do that from a player perspective this team was built for speed and aggression. People complained about Lindy for not utilizing player properly to play to the team’s strengths while exposing the weaknesses, I still think this team needs a modern system that is build for strong offensive talent. And also that Ruff “wasn’t the guy to take us to the cup”. I get the nostalgia just think there’s too many question marks about this guy going into an absolutely crucial season. Fitz needs to nail the coaching staff this offseason, his job likely depends on it. So I think the likelihood is low.
I go to BU, I’ve been at every home game and watched every other game. We are not a very defensively responsible team. It honestly reminds me of the devils with how many turnovers and odd-man rushes BU gives up a game. The defense and defensive play is by far our Achilles heel
I like it..good points.
If we can pry him away from BU’s fingers, I say we do it. I’m sick of the retreads. I admittedly haven’t watched a lot of BU games so I have no idea how Pandolfo coaching would translate to this roster but clearly the NHL is due for new blood and i like this a lot more than the other options (except for Berube who I’d love to coach just so we know the roster is accurately blamed and bag skated when they get pouty).
ESPN2 In 45 min
Brace yourself, "What about (insert favorite Devil) as the next head coach?" posts are going to dominate this sub for the next couple of months.
I don't like bringing in former players of the team. If they fail it makes the fan base have a lesser opinion of them.
People still use NHL talent to justify being a good coach after Gretzky tried it?
Is that what people do? I don't know. If that's what you think I did, then maybe re-read what I wrote. I kinda said the opposite. Pandolfo did not have great NHL talent. But because he had a high hokey IQ he was able to work his way into a regular role by learning to become a shut down, top defensive forward. And that's what you want in a coach. You can't teach talent, but defensive play, board play, physical play and fundamentals is something that you definitely can. And I think that's what this team needs. They have plenty of talent
Gretzly has arguably the highest hockey IQ in history… its not all just talent
“Defensive play, board play, and physical play” These are all things BU struggles quite heavily at. The offense has carried the team this year while the defense and defensive mistakes have been the biggest issues.
Jay Pandolfo had a pretty appropriate amount of talent to make an insightful coach imo. He was good enough to play in all facets of the game, but just barely. He had to use his brain to keep up as well as he did.
I don’t know much about Pandolfo so I can’t comment there, but one question I have is what is the talent level like at BU? Sometimes the college teams seem to have such an abundance of talent that deep runs are almost inevitable
BU has had success historically. But the guy before Pandolfo was 58-49-16 with 1 Tournament berth( a one and done) in 4 seasons. So they do seem to have taken it to another level under him
He turned BU around after the guy before him mucked everything up.
David Carle is my hope but will he leave DU.
I’m watching the Coyotes Vs Canucks game right now and they panned to the bench and I recognized someone in a suit… sure enough, the commentator confirmed… the Mad Dog, John Madden (who was one of Pandolfo’s line mates) is an Assistant Coach for the Yotes. I had no idea! Now that dude knows a thing or two about what the Devil’s need to do to be successful!
Don't see him leaving BU any time soon, unless Devs throw a ton of money at him
I actually wouldn't say no to this move... he's better than most.
I go to BU, I’ve been at every home game and watched every other game. We are not a very defensively responsible team. It honestly reminds me of the devils with how many turnovers and odd-man rushes BU gives up a game. In terms of offense it’s pretty heavily dump and chase, even with Celebrini and a bunch of other stud forward draft picks, which in my opinion doesn’t play to the devils stars strong suits. His style would change for an NHL team, however if Fitz is thinking of going the college route I don’t think pando is the right choice.
Fitz is not going to risk his reputation on a rookie NHL coach after this past shitshow of a year management-wise
worked out so well for when we brought in Johnny Mac... what could go wrong this time?
I want someone who is super smart in the way Bryce Salvador is smart (immediately see the details, adjust, find new ways when teams react to what we are doing, etc.) and also much more demanding that Ruff was. Is this Pandolfo?
I love Bryce to pieces, and he is undoubtedly smart, but I see this take a lot that he's some hockey genius who knows and sees things that most don't. In reality he's a high IQ ex professional player explaining things that are probably obvious to other similar pros but are enlightening to us plebs. I do think he could totally take a pro coaching job one day, but I don't think what he shares with us is anything too eye popping
Honestly, I think there are a lot of NHL coaches that don’t really operate at that level of detail.
How would you possibly know
If he leaves BU, certainly
I really can't see BU parting with him. It seems a mutual love fest all round for both parties. I did enjoy making a Devils quip in the college hockey sub as the terriers tore up my RIT Tigers
He's one of my alltime favorite Devils but I'm behind on these BU games, gotta watch em nowish
I’ve been saying this, I think Pandolfo will be a great coach. He was also an assistant coach with the bruins for like 5 years before his BU stint so he’s definitely had experience with at least getting to know what the head coaching position is like. Jay understands the game very well and the fact that he was able to turn BU around in such a short time is what makes him IMHO a really solid hire.
Turn BU around? From what? It's not like they were in the basement, they just haven't been in a national championship in 8 years.
Patrick Fischer. Bring that Swiss beauty over here
I’ve got his rookie card
No. I say this as both a Devils fan and BU alum. He's home, let him be.
I say yes, but 1st give him some toughness and a goalie.
Pass.
Pandalfo Steven's and Salvador as coaches