[Bleeding Red]

I read the book the other day. I found it very pedestrian - not really a lot of insights into the how's or why's (i.e. he never really explains why he didn't practice the PP). I found Burke's book to be a little more insightful.

He, of course, admitted being tough on players, but also said that A LOT of players (stars & journeymen alike) came to his teams out of shape, unprepared, and happy to play as an individuals not as a team (see B. Hull, who didn't win until he was a secondary player on winning teams).

I know there are 3 sides to every story, but I think many are assuming malice in these scenarios. According to MK, NYR GM didn't want him there and was forced to make moves by ownership. NYR ownership changed shortly after they won the cup, GM won the power struggle, MK out. (a some point, don't all coaches want to be the GM too, for some job security, at least. One could say that Darryl actively worked to take Button's job.)


I think those old time Oilers liked the guy. If Gretzky or Messier hated MK, I am sure Hockey Canada would have had someone else coach in the '91 Canada Cup. I don't think WG would have gone to STL if there was animosity there. He says star players (Messier, Bure) wanted him as their coach and worked GMs and Owners to make it happen.

According to him, every team he coached improved in points from when he got there to when he left. 672 career NHL wins, 15th all time. hard to argue with that.