David Quinn_Pleasant Surprise

At the beginning of the season, Monsters fans were appalled by how poorly the team was playing and many wondered if head coach David Quinn was really well suited for the job. The Monsters were consistently getting blown out night in and night out and hopes for a playoff spot seemed impossible going into December. Many question whether Quinn had what it took to coach professional hockey players at the AHL level and if he was going to be retained for next season.

The tide turned for the Monsters in mid-December when Trevor Cann was sent down and Billy Sauer was brought up. The team began to play well and Quinn’s coaching style seemed to be paying dividends for the team.

Since mid-December, the Monsters have been able to get back into the playoff race and have played more consistently over the stretch. The lines seemed to be more cohesive, the forechecking has been better and the team has been able to keep up with some of the AHL’s best. Quinn’s coaching seemed to be settling in like the Monsters management had hoped and the team has gone from basement dweller to playoff contender.

Quinn may have had a rocky start but turning a team around in mid-season is no easy task. The dynamics of the team changed a bit with players being called up but Quinn seems to have adjusted well and is helping to put a competitive team on the ice. Many players he’s coached have been able to grab a cup of coffee in the NHL due to Quinn’s tutelage and the team has a chance to earn a playoff spot.

There is no doubt that Quinn had a rocky start as the Monsters coach but seems to have a bright future ahead of him.

~ by jeffrsabo on March 7, 2010.