2010's HF Team of the Decade- Head Coach Poll and Crowd sourcing thread

[Gardner McKay]

Oh man, this is some pick I've had differences with all of them.

Have to go with Torts.

Agree. We were the most successful under AV but I think one could argue Torts got the most out of his rosters.

 

[Machinehead]

The 13-14 team, which is the gold standard of the era, had more of a Torts identity than an AV one IMO.

I wish we could morph the best of the two into a Frankencoach.

 

[Matt Rentfree]

I think AV had better rosters to work with, but Tortorella's system would not have been as conducive to rosters with higher levels of ability.

That was only his system with that particular group of players. When he coached the Lightning which was a way more talented team, he used a completely different system and won a cup.

 

[Thordic]

That was only his system with that particular group of players. When he coached the Lightning which was a way more talented team, he used a completely different system and won a cup.

Agreed. Torts won't bend on his demand for work ethic and accountability, but he is definitely flexible in his strategy and style. He will mold his systems around his roster.

AV was the opposite, trying to force guys like Girardi and Staal to play man-to-man when it played to their weaknesses and against their strengths. Staal's legacy, even with the eye injury, would have been much better if it wasn't for AV's defensive system woes. He still would have broken down, but I feel like he would have had a much better few years as his stickwork and physical play let him shut down his side of the ice. AV forced him to be more mobile, and we all saw the result.

My vote for coach is Torts by a mile.