Former Colorado Avalanche coach gets a second kick at the can

Former Colorado Avalanche coach Joe Sacco has been named interim head coach of the Boston Bruins. The announcement was made following the news that Jim Montgomery had been fired after the Bruins had a disappointing 8-9-3 record.

The Bruins have been going through one of the most turbulent campaigns in recent history, prompting team management to rock the boat. The decision was made to fire Montgomery before the Bruins descended into a tailspin.

After leaving Colorado in April 2013, Sacco got a job as an assistant with the Buffalo Sabres. The following season, Sacco landed another assistant coaching role with the Boston Bruins. Ever since, Sacco has served with the Bruins’ organization.

Now, Sacco gets another shot at the trough. Amid the whirlwind surrounding the Bruins, Sacco steps in to right the ship in one of the league’s toughest divisions. The Bruins are currently tied for third place with the Tampa Bay Lightning. The Ottawa Senators are also nipping at the Bruins’ heels.

Sacco has the unenviable task of taking a group of under-performing stars and young, unproven players. The Jeremy Swayman saga did little to help set up the Bruins for success this season.

So, here’s hoping that Joe Sacco can become a positive influence in Boston as he takes over a head coaching position for the second time in his career.

Remembering Joe Sacco with the Colorado Avalanche

Colorado hired Joe Sacco ahead of the 2009-2010 season after Tony Granato’s firing. The Avs had a disastrous season in 2008-09, missing the playoffs after having been to the second round the year before.

Reportedly, the Avs were interested in hiring Patrick Roy. However, Roy declined the role. So, the Avs turned to Sacco, a successful AHL coach and former NHL player.

As a side note, I recall Sacco’s playing days when he was a member of the Toronto Maple Leafs. Sacco was a solid middle-six player. He centered the Leafs’ third line, providing solid depth scoring. Sacco would go on to become one of the Mighty Ducks’ first players.

Back to Sacco and the Avs. Sacco took over a team that was projected to finish at the bottom of the Western Conference standings. However, he led the Avs to a 43-30-9 mark, qualifying for the postseason.

The Avalanche got bounced in the first round that season by the San Jose Sharks. The effort earned Sacco a Jack Adams nomination. Unfortunately, Sacco could not replicate his first season’s success. The Avalanche missed the playoffs for the third time in four seasons under Sacco, leading to his dismissal.

Who knows, perhaps Sacco and the Bruins will meet the Colorado Avalanche in the Stanley Cup Final in what could only be described as an unbelievable twist of fate.