*Anyone else starting to feel like there’s a real coordinated effort to sell you on the idea of Rick Tocchet as head coach? Unclear if this is because the organization wants us to accept the inevitable or if this is just the media people pushing the idea of getting their buddy the job. Here’s hoping it’s the latter. Anyway, here’s six things you should know about the dude they’re probably going to hire because of course they are. [Inquirer]
*Here’s the thing though, [Ed. note: this is me editorializing in the Fly By blurbs. I am sorry about this. I have a lot of Thoughts – Kelly] I don’t think most of us are against the idea of hiring Tocchet simply because he used to go here. It’s because there is absolutely zero evidence he’s a good coach. Certainly none that he’s the BEST available option for where this team is right now. Don’t talk to me about that Jack Adams that came on the back of sick goaltending and a PDO bender. [NBC Sports Philly]
*Should probably gird our loins, though, because the longer this goes on the longer it feels inevitable. [BSH]
*If you’re a subscriber over at Charlie’s website you can check out his breakdown of each of the arguments against a Tocchet hire that he’s encountered. [PHLY]
*Anyway let’s talk about fun stuff, like the Phantoms’ semi-final series against those Hershey Bears, which kicked off last night. [BSH]
*Even more fun? Jett Luchanko’s performance thus far in the AHL playoffs. Kid looks real good! [Inquirer]
*Our season review series began yesterday, with a look at the seasons had by the guys who weren’t here very long. [BSH]
*Back to things that are fun; why is it that the Maple Leafs always get so dangerously close to choking whenever the opportunity presents itself? [Sportsnet]
*Here’s a run through of what should be priority for each of the league’s 32 teams this offseason, from the draft all the way through to free agency. [ESPN]
*And finally, it’s been a while since we’ve seen a fun DGB thought exercise, and in this one he’s ranked every NHL team’s worst postseason ever based on goal differential. [The Athletic]
