Lindy Ruff loses Jack Adams Award to Jon Cooper
Audacy • • sports
Key Points:
- The Buffalo Sabres, under coach Lindy Ruff, dramatically improved from last place in the Eastern Conference in December to winning the Atlantic Division and finishing second in the conference.
- Tampa Bay Lightning, coached by Jon Cooper, lost their division lead due to poor performance against the Sabres, including losing three of four matchups starting in February.
- Despite the Lightning's collapse and early playoff exit, Jon Cooper won the Jack Adams Award as the NHL's best coach, beating out Ruff and Pittsburgh's Dan Muse.
- Ruff led the Sabres to their first playoff appearance in 15 years with a 30-point improvement and significantly improved team defense, while Muse guided the Penguins to an 18-point improvement and a playoff berth.
- The award voting, conducted by the NHL Broadcasters' Association, is criticized as a popularity contest, with Cooper favored due to his good relationships with broadcasters despite his team's underwhelming season performance.