Dan Rosen says John Hynes is making a strong case for top coach honors in the NHL. (Photo: Getty Images)



Any doubt that John Hynes is the leader for the Jack Adams Award? @GreekGoalie35

Hynes would get my vote right now. I can't think of a coach who has done more with less in the first quarter of the season than Hynes. That shouldn't always be the determining factor, because it's a flat-out joke that Mike Babcock has never won the Jack Adams Award, and the only reason I can think of is because his teams are supposed to win. Well, yeah, but he's a big reason for that.

Anyway, back to Hynes. Not only is he getting a lot out of a flawed roster, he's helped foster a culture change with the New Jersey Devils. This is a team that wants to play fast and tries to play exciting hockey. The players love him and have totally bought into his system. They talk about how Hynes isn't just a coach talking to them, he's a coach discussing things with them. There's a difference. They talk about how everything Hynes does has a purpose, and how he's a great communicator. They love the energy he brings every day. These things go a long way with today's players, who are savvy enough and care enough to tell a phony from the real thing. Hynes is the real thing.



What are your biggest team/individual surprises … so far? -- @gdonovan610



I'll start with team surprises.



Good: Devils and Arizona Coyotes



There's no chance anyone predicted the Devils and Coyotes would be in a playoff position on Nov. 18.

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