We all knew something was different about Spencer Carbery when he was hired by the Washington Capitals but we didn't quite put a finger on what type of coach he'd be yet. Now we know and now Carbery has been voted on by the NHL Broadcasters' Association to lead the charge among other NHL coaches.
The other two behind him, per ESPN.com's Greg Wyshynski, are Dean Evason of the Columbus Blue Jackets and John Hynes of the Minnesota Wild. Here's what Greg mentioned regarding Carbery:
"Alex Ovechkin has 19 goals in 23 games this season (now 20 in 27 games with an empty netter the other night in Nashville against the Predators). When he sustained a fractured leg in November, there wasn't just concern about the state of his NHL all-time goals record chase. There was concern that it might derail what had been a stellar start for the Capitals, who went 13-4-1 with Ovechkin in the lineup through Nov. 18. "Greg Wyshynski of ESPN.com
Wyshynski would also add in the same story: "In between his injury and Ovechkin's triumphant return to the lineup on Dec. 28? The Capitals went 13-6-2, thanks in no small part to the steady leadership and strong fundamental systems of Carbery. The second-year coach had Washington with the Eastern Conference's top points percentage heading into (last) Monday's games. They were the top scoring team in the league (3.72 goals per game) and sixth in goals against (2.64). Perhaps that's why Carbery was the only unamimous choice in any category in this month's NHL Awards Watch."
One of the folks who voted for Carbery would declare this:
"He's going to run away with this, and for justifiable reasons."Anonymous voter
Last season Carbery went 40-31-11 in the first year of his coaching era surpassing everyone's expectations. That expectation turned into reality in the spring when the Capitals were swept by the New York Rangers but now things have really started to look up and not just because of the standings.
Carbery cares about his players. That's the most important thing. Even if a player gets sent back down to Hershey you'll hear the qualities that Carbery mentions about them. He understands the coaching ladder having coaching in the ECHL with the South Carolina Stingrays, the AHL's Hershey Bears and now with the big club. He has more than earned it and it is bonkers seeing him go from the last tire of the Caps organization to the top of the ladder.
That ladder can get higher if he wins this award. But it would be way higher if there was another one at the end of the season as well.