Sometimes it doesn't matter how good a coach's resume looks - if his team is not playing as well as expected, management could definitely look into a changing of the guard. With all of the surprises in the 2013 season, several teams who were supposed to be Stanley Cup favorites are instead on the bubble. If the coaches of these teams cannot manage to get their respective teams into the postseason, they may be on the hot seat for a replacement. Here's a look at some of the coaches that need their teams to perform well down the stretch.
John Tortorella - New York Rangers
John Tortorella is personally one of my favorite NHL coaches; however, there is no denying that his Rangers have been somewhat of a disappointment. Pegged before the season as the favorite to win the Stanley Cup after acquiring superstar Rick Nash, the Broadway Blueshirts are holding on to the final spot in the Eastern Conference playoff picture by the skin of their teeth. If the Rangers fail to pick up their play in these last few weeks and miss out on the playoffs completely, GM Glen Sather could definitely look to make some wholesale changes in the offseason.
Peter Laviolette - Philadelphia Flyers
Laviolette is another example of a well-revered NHL coach, but his Flyers just haven't been able to get it going this year. After manhandling the Penguins in last year's playoffs, expectations were high on Broad Street. Unfortunately, the Philadelphia fans never shy to let the team know how disappointed they are, could call for some changes if this team doesn't pick it up big-time.
Ken Hitchcock - St. Louis Blues
Despite currently being on a hot streak, the Blues have had their share of ups and downs this season. Defending their Central Division title is pretty much out of the question with Chicago playing so well, and they will still need to fight for their playoff lives. After hiring Hitchcock last season, St. Louis skyrocketed to nearly the best record in hockey, but in doing so they could have set their expectations too high for 2013. Hitchcock's job is likely not in much trouble, but he needs to get things going if he wants to prove that the Blues are a legitimate contender.
Mike Yeo - Minnesota Wild
GM Chuck Fletcher went on a spending spree last summer, inking the top two free agents available in Ryan Suter and Zach Parise. It goes without saying, expectations were high in the State of Hockey. The Wild have been holding their ground, but are on currently on a cold streak and barely hanging in a playoff spot. The deadline trade for Jason Pominville cemented one thing - there is no excuse for this team to miss the playoffs. They have put too much effort into creating a successful product and missing the playoffs would mean a complete failure for the season. As always, the coach would be the one who would be blamed and Yeo could be out the door if this the Wild don't crack the top eight.