THN.com/podcast. From THN On The 'Q': Semifinals Underway and Bruins from the QMJHL Jim Montgomery [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MTk3NzQyNTI0NzM4MDUzOTM4/usatsi_20317393.jpg] Jim Montgomery The NHL's awards season continues to roll along. The league unveiled its trio of finalists for the Jack Adams Award on Friday, with Seattle's Dave Hakstol, Boston's Jim Montgomery and New Jersey's Lindy Ruff being named as the three leading nominees for the honor of the NHL's most outstanding coach. It's hard to argue against either of these candidates being worthy of taking home this award. Hakstol led the NHL's newest franchise to unforeseen heights this season, helping the Kraken rebound from a disappointing inaugural campaign as a franchise and book a ticket to the playoffs after many expected them to miss once again. Under Hakstol, the Kraken finished with a record of 46-28-8 to crack the 100-point barrier for the first time in franchise history despite their goaltending producing a combined save percentage of .886. Hakstol provided Seattle with the structure and system that allowed a team that lacked superstars to succeed. After being expected to take a step back with an aging core, the Bruins ended up producing the greatest regular season of all-time in their first year under Montgomery, amassing an NHL-record 65 wins, capturing the Presidents' Trophy and finishing 20 points ahead of the closest team under them. Montgomery appeared to give the Bruins precisely the voice they needed to exceed expectations in the regular season, and he may just end up getting the hardware to show for it. Ruff, on the other hand, has come a long way since getting booed during his introduction by the Devils faithful during the club's home opener in October. In a surprise turn of fate, Ruff ended up leading the Devils to a second-place finish in the Metropolitan Division, fostering breakout seasons from the likes of Jack Hughes and Nico Hischier and instilling a system that produced some of the most entertaining hockey fans have seen in quite some time. Regardless of who wins, each finalist is undoubtedly deserving of recognition.
