There have been numerous occasions over the past few seasons when I’ve referred to our Penguins as a collection of Caspar Miquetoasts. Just this morning, in fact.
Forgive me for a rather crude and unkind comparison, but when I first saw a photo of our new coach, Dan Muse, I instantly thought…Caspar Miquetoast.
Especially when compared to the long-rumored front-runner, Mitch Love, whose ultra-intense stare could burn a hole through a steel I-beam.
As the old saying goes, looks can be deceiving. Let’s hope that’s the case here. Let’s also hope Muse, despite his appearance, can command the room, as Love most assuredly would’ve done.
I confess, I was stunned and not the least bit disappointed when I learned Kyle Dubas had bypassed Love in favor of Muse, who served as an assistant coach with the Rangers under Peter Laviolette the past two seasons and before that under Lavy with Nashville from 2017-20. This after leading the Chicago Steel to a USHL title in 2016-17.
IMHO, Love, a smashing success at every stop and two-time AHL coach of the year, not only could have been good on the development side of the coin, but possesses the smarts, presence and coaching chops to lead us through an eventual turnaround.
As for Muse? I’m not so sure on the latter count.
Another reason I would’ve preferred Love? To me the Pens desperately need a culture shift, much like they did back in the early 2000s when they parted ways with Hall-of-Fame GM Craig Patrick and hired Ray Shero.
Defense-minded and tough, in my mind Love would’ve been the perfect coach to drive such a renaissance.
Too, part of me wonders if Dubas tried to be a little too fine instead of making the obvious choice.
But enough preamble. Here’s what our POHO/GM had to say about Muse.
“During this process, we met with many candidates who we felt would have been a fit as the next head coach of the Penguins, but ultimately, Dan Muse stood out as the best choice,” Dubas said. “What separated Dan was his ability to develop players, win at all levels where he has been a head coach and his consistent success coaching special teams in the NHL.
“From his success in developing college and junior players, to his impactful work with veteran players during his time in the NHL, Dan has shown a proven ability to connect with players at all stages of their careers and help them to reach their potential.”
“Additionally, his leadership of special teams units at the NHL level in both Nashville and New York produced elite results consistently. His overall body of work, attention to detail and vision for our group showed us that he is the best coach to take our team forward. We’re excited to welcome Dan, and his family, to the city of Pittsburgh.”
All glowing and complementary as you’d expect.
Still, I get a nagging reminder of 2014, when Jim Rutherford tabbed Mike Johnston as his first coach. Contrary to popular perception, Johnston had a long and extremely accomplished track record at the international and junior hockey levels followed by an equally successful run as an NHL assistant and associate coach. A resume that eerily mirrors that of Muse.
Knowledgeable hockey man that he was, Johnston was in over his head as an NHL head coach. Especially on a team laden with veteran superstars who were used to doing things their way.
I wonder if the same will hold true for our latest hire when all is said and done.
As with all things, time will tell. Personal disappointment aside, hopefully this turns out to be a great move for all involved.
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Hey all,
Just want to point out an article over on Pittsburgh Hockey Now titled, "Who is New Penguins Coach Dan Muse? What Colleagues Say About Style & the Man."
Great work by Dan Kingerski, who provides a lot more insight into Muse than I do. He sounds like he might be a very good and inspired hire.
Rick