Should Bylsma Be Axed?

There are certain questions in sport that are difficult to answer, Why is Harry Redknapp allowed to manage? Why has Tebow gone to the Pats and should the Penguins' failure to get to the Stanley Cup Final be laid at Dan Bylsma's door?

First of all, let's look at why he should stay...

1. The Penguins finished top of the Eastern Conference.

It was never in doubt which team would take the top spot in the conference. The Pens finished nine points above the Canadiens and won the exact same number of games as the Chicago Blackhawks.

2. The shooters were on target.

Only nine of the Pens' 31 rostered skaters failed to score in the regular season (and three of those finished the season with different teams). Five skaters putto  double figures on the board. In total the Pens scored 165 goals. More than any other team.

3. Great trades.

Brendan Morrow, Jarome Iginla, Jussi Jokinen, Douglas Murray and Mark Eaton were all picked up this year and contributed 19 goals in the short time they had.


So why should he go?

1. Poor playoff plannng.

With such big names being brought in, it was clear that Pittsburgh wanted to bring home the cup at any cost. As much as the five trades Bylsma made played well before the playoffs, they failed to perform during the playoffs; netting eight goals in total.

2. Poor motivation.

You have to say, the Bruins just wanted it more.


My opinion? The coach should stay, sure the Pens didn't perform in the playoffs like they did during the regular season but given the trades the team made. I think the 2014 Stanley Cup will be sitting pretty in Pittsburgh.

There were a lot of line changes throughout the playoffs, some forced by injury, others by new players coming in. It looks like this led to uncertainty on the ice as old partnerships were dissolved and new ones formed.

This allowed the Bruins to capitalise and that's how they beat the mighty Penguins. Ultimately, the trades made cost the Pens the cup. However next season they will be unstoppable.

Alex's Edit: After due consideration, I have to painfully admit that although we all like Bylsma as a coach, his future in the Mario Lemeiux Penguins empire is looking bleak after another early playoff exit- after a golden regulation season (mostly without Crosby) the Pens did look woefully underprepared and warning signs were there against the Islanders as well as meltdown from Fleury in net! 

After being blitzed by the Bruins we have to ask the big question, where the hell were they? As Mike noted Bylsma didn't seem to rally any confidence of note and they looked all at sea from game 2 onwards! I think if we are to see a fourth Stanley Cup banner at the Consol Energy Centre then it would be best served under a new leader! But the decision rests in Lemeiux's hands now.