Dan Bylsma provides stability to Penguins organization
By Matt Shetler
Pittsburgh Penguins’ head coach Dan Bylsma can be the target of criticism from Penguins fans when things aren’t going well, but what head coach isn’t?
However when you take a step back from the passion you show for the Pens, you will realize that Bylsma has been the perfect man to lead the Penguins and has brought a sense of stability to the organization.
February 15, 2012; Pittsburgh,PA, USA: Pittsburgh Penguins head coach Dan Bylsma (left) gestures at Pens defender Kris Letang (58) during a time-out against the Anaheim Ducks during the third period at the CONSOL Energy Center. The Ducks won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USPRESSWIRE
In fact, Disco Dan is about to accomplish something that no Penguins coach has ever done and that says a lot about the job that Bylsma has done on the Penguins bench.
When Bylsma finishes the season (and he will), he will become the first coach in franchise history to begin and end four consecutive seasons.
With a talented roster such as the one the Penguins have, stability from the coaching position was needed and Bylsma has delivered that in a big way.
During his three-plus seasons as Penguins head coach, Bylsma has not only won a Stanley Cup and has a legitimate chance to make it two in four years, but he has quickly climbed up the franchise leader board as well.
He has already won 166 games, which places him only behind Eddie Johnston’s 232 wins. Johnston accomplished that in two different stints as Penguins head coach (1980-83, 1993-97). In addition, Bylsma’s .655 winning percentage is the highest of any Penguins coach in history.
Sure it helps to have the likes of Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and other in a Penguins uniform, but it also takes the right coach and the right style to get the most of the talent assembled.
Through three full seasons and one game, Bylsma has proven to be that guy.