NHL coaches on the hot seat: Ken Hitchcock's fate determined in playoffs?

Coach dismissals are usually done on the basis of what happens in the regular season. If a team misses the playoffs, the crosshairs are often placed on the coach. But this season, even some playoff coaches are not safe. With the regular season ending this weekend, here is our list of coaches on the hot seat:

1. Dave Cameron, Ottawa Senators (37-35-9): Owner Eugene Melnyk set an ominous tone for the offseason when he promised changes, adding that “no one is safe.” The Senators are 11th in offense, but their defensive struggles have persisted.

2. Ken Hitchcock, St. Louis Blues (49-23-9): This is an odd situation because you can make a case that Hitchcock should be in the mix for the Jack Adams as coach of the year. But Hitchcock’s contract expires this summer, and the Blues have endured first-round playoff knockouts for three consecutive seasons. If there is a fourth early departure, it is hard to see Hitchcock coming back.

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3. Claude Julien, Boston Bruins (42-30-9): Even after a win Thursday to keep their playoff hopes alive, the Bruins could still miss the postseason. If they don’t make it, Julien is vulnerable. Given Julien's reputation, firing him wouldn't be an easy decision. But that’s the way this business works. Nashville Predators general manager David Poile understood that Barry Trotz was a quality coach when he fired him, and the Buffalo Sabres knew Lindy Ruff was top notch when he was let go. If Julien is fired, he will not be out of work long.

4.  Patrick Roy, Colorado Avalanche (39-38-4): This is a challenging read because of Roy’s status as a legendary figure in Avalanche history and his relationship with general manager Joe Sakic. This isn’t your usual boss-employee relationship. Sakic and Roy have been working together. Does this mean the decision about Roy has to be made above Sakic? The Avs have been among the worst possession teams under Roy in his three seasons. His decision to publicly rebuke Matt Duchene for celebrating his 30th goal (losing 4-0) raises eyebrows because it suggested the coach-player relationship isn’t what it should be. This should have been handled inside the dressing room.

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5. Michel Therrien, Montreal Canadiens (37-38-6): Montreal’s season was a disaster, and it had a lot to do with the absence of goalie Carey Price. But Therrien didn’t seem to have any tricks to help the Canadiens pull out of their tailspin. General manager Marc Bergevin stood up for Therrien during the season. It’s not a given that he is going to fire him. But if Julien, a French Canadian, is available, doesn’t he have to consider going after him?