The Golden Knights’ inaugural season was a dream ride for coach Gerard Gallant. Every move, large or small, seemed to translate into success until it finally ended in Game 5 of the 2018 Stanley Cup Final.
Potholes appeared immediately in the team’s second season. A contract dispute. A suspension. Injuries.
Through it all the weathered 55-year-old coach from the small Canadian maritime province of Prince Edward Island never wavered. He stuck by his players and again found a way to steer his team into the playoffs.
“He’s our rock,” defenseman Jon Merrill said. “He’s the captain of the ship, so he has to make sure he’s under control and composed.