Penguins' Dan Bylsma: Don't Call Me A Players' Coach
PITTSBURGH (93-7 The Fan) - Pittsburgh Penguins head coach Dan Bylsma joined KDKA's Bob Pompeani as this month's Legend For The Fan! The hour-long interview aired exclusively on Sportsradio 93-7 The Fan.
Part of the interview focused squarely on Bylsma's thoughts on the state of the Penguins, and the coach spent some time bristling at the suggestion that he gives in to the players.
"I hate the [phrase] 'players' coach,'" Bylsma says. "I know the implications, and I don't like the implications of being loose and buddy-buddy with the players. We have high standards. We take a lot of pride in how we play on the ice. It's not easy. There's a lot of effort, and I think the players respond to that."
The Penguins are also going to have to adjust to life without some key pieces, including Matt Cooke.
"I don't think there's a person who is going to replace Matt Cooke and play like he played," Bylsma admits. "We'll miss him on the third line and on the penalty-kill role. Craig Adams will now be the leader of that group, and guys like Joe Vitale will have to step up and play bigger roles."
Hear Dan Bylsma's latest thoughts on the Penguins below!
