  Senators head coach Paul MacLean is one of three finalists for the NHL's coach of the year award. (Errol McGihon/QMI Agency) |
OTTAWA - Paul MacLean could be getting some hardware for his hard work with the Ottawa Senators this year.
The Senators coach was voted one of three finalists for the Jack Adams Trophy as the NHL's coach of the year was announced on Monday.
St. Louis coach Ken Hitchcock and New York Rangers' John Tortorella are also up for the award.
MacLean, making his NHL debut as a head coach, led the club back to the playoffs for the first time since 2010. He took a rebuilding franchise, made it respectable and finished with a 41-31-10 record.
Owner Eugene Melnyk was thrilled for MacLean.
"It's well-deserved. I can't single a player I've talked with (that doesn't) see it as a completely different dressing room," said Melnyk. "This is a coach, a teacher, a mentor. He knows when to be tough, when to be the educator. That's what coaching is all about.
"He's got two great assistants in Mark (Reeds) and Dave (Cameron), plus his whole team. This is very well deserved."
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