[mile]

Originally Posted by CliffFletcher

This notion that players need a quarter of a season to a adjust to a new coach and system is just a CP meme.

It's not entirely unfounded... I remember Haynes writing a couple seasons ago about how he found that more than 75% of teams struggle for a stretch of games after a coaching change. Perhaps not a quarter of a season, but close.

http://www.flamesfrom80feet.ca/2016/...r-new-nhl.html

The teams that do get off to a good start are in the minority.

Mike Sullivan, Pittsburgh, 2015-16*
- First 17 gm, 6-7-4, .471 PT%
- Final 37 gm, 27-9-1, .743 PT% (+.272 PT%)

Dave Hakstol, Philadelphia, 2015-16
- First 16 gm, 5-8-3, .406 PT%
- Final 66 gm, 36-19-11, .629 PT% (+.223 PT%)

Jon Cooper, Tampa Bay, 2012-13*
- First 16 gm, 5-8-3, .406 PT% (also the final 16 gm of regular season)
- Next season, 82 gm, 46-27-9, .616 PT% (+.210 PT%)

Peter De Boer, San Jose, 2015-16
- First 15 gm, 7-8-0, .467 PT%
- Final 67 gm, 39-22-6, .627 PT% (+.160 PT%)

Alain Vigneault, NY Rangers, 2013-14
- First 21 gm, 10-11-0, .476 PT%
- Final 61 gm, 35-20-6, .623 PT% (+.147 PT%)

Barry Trotz, Washington, 2014-15
- First 17 gm, 7-7-3, .500 PT%
- Final 65 gm, 38-19-8, .646 PT% (+.146 PT%)

Todd McLellan, Edmonton, 2015-16
- First 22 gm, 7-14-1, .341 PT%
- Final 60 gm, 24-29-7, .458 PT% (+.117 PT%)

Dan Bylsma, Buffalo, 2015-16
- First 22 gm, 8-12-2, .409 PT%
- Final 60 gm, 27-24-9, ,525 PT% (+.116 PT%)

Mike Babcock, Toronto, 2015-16
- First 14 gm, 2-8-4, .286 PT%
- Final 68 gm, 27-34-7, .397 PY% (+.111 PT%)

Lindy Ruff, Dallas, 2013-14
- First 13 gm, 5-6-2, .462 PT%
- Final 69 gm, 35-25-9, .572 PT% (+.110 PT%)

Bill Peters, Carolina, 2014-15
- First 21 gm, 6-12-3, .357 PT%
- Final 61 gm, 24-29-8, .459 PT% (+.102 PT%)

Jeff Blashill, Detroit, 2015-16
- First 17 gm, 8-8-1, .500 PT%
- Final 65 gm, 33-22-10, .587 PT% (+.087 PT%)

Gerard Gallant, Florida, 2014-15
- First 12 gm, 4-4-4, .500 PT%
- Final 70 gm, 34-25-11, .564 PT% (+.064 PT%)

That being said, I believe Peters when he says he expects a quicker start. Really emphasized the importance first 20 games in the press conference IIRC.