Guy Boucher has done a remarkable job with the Tampa Bay Lightning in his first season as head coach. Of course, not all the credit can go to him, as Steve Yzerman has clearly put his mark on the club as well. And you also can't forget about Jeff Vinik, the new owner that made a remarkable turn-around for these Lightning possible in just one season.
Lightning Vs. Bruins, Game 7: Guy Boucher Can Join Three’s Company Of First-Year Coaches
But Boucher has been fantastic, even Harry Potter-esque with that scar on his face. He’s implemented a style, his players have bought in and everybody is reaping the rewards.
And if Boucher and the Lightning are able to win Game 7 on Friday night against the Boston Bruins, the first-year head coach will be the third coach in three seasons to head to the Stanley Cup Finals as Eastern Conference Champion in their first year in charge.
Dan Bylsma took over midseason with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2009 and led them to a Stanley Cup, and in 2010, Peter Laviolette took over in December and led the Flyers to the Finals, where they lost to the Chicago Blackhawks. Three years in a row? Could happen tonight.
For more on Friday’s Game 7, check in with our Eastern Conference Final series hub, as well as our blogs: Raw Charge covering the Lightning and Stanley Cup of Chowder covering the Bruins.
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