Paul McLean, Ottawa Senators
McLean worked magic this season for Ottawa, gaining success with a limited amount of resources and star power. McLean coached the Senators missing top center Jason Spezza for 43 games out of 48, last year’s Norris Trophy winner Erik Karlsson for 10 weeks, their starting goalie Craig Anderson for half the season, and high scoring forward Milan Michalek for 25 games. McLean’s ability to put a successful lineup on the ice night after night, was nothing short of impressive. McLean’s Senators were left for dead when the injuries mounted, and he just keep his head forward and led his squad to the playoffs.