The Pittsburgh Penguins were embarrassed by the Boston Bruins in the Eastern Conference finals in the NHL playoffs after being swept out in four games and due to that performance, a number of changes could be coming next season and head coach Dan Bylsma, GM Ray Shero and goalie Tomas Vokoun may all be on the hot seat.
According to ESPN.com, reports say that owner Mario Lemieux could influence changes in the franchise and one of the top options is to get rid of head coach Dan Bylsma. Despite the fact that Bylsma has a Stanley Cup from 2009, the team may be ready to move on after the uninspired performance from the team in the series, especially from Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, who were basically shutdown the entire time. The team only scored two goals in the series and never had a lead and now the team will have to decide who starts next season in goal as Marc-André Fleury and Tomas Vokoun will be the options.
Shero could also be on the hot seat, but he likely will keep his job if he can work out an extension with Makin. Bylsma said that Fleury will be back in net next season, but after the way he played the team could have some issues in net. The East is getting tougher with the Bruins looking like the best in the conference and teams like the Rangers, Canadiens and Maple Leafs trending upwards and changes might be in store up and down the roster for the Penguins.
The team also could try and re-sign Jarome Iginla after trading for him from the Calgary Flames, as the 35-year-old will be an unrestricted free agent this summer. He expressed interest in re-signing, although he must be smacking his head after choosing the Penguins over a deal with the Bruins. He had a no-trade clause and picked the Pens and now after scoring four goals and 12 points in 15 playoff games he will have to decide what his next move is as his five-year, $35 million contract is done with.
