former Chicago Blackhawks player turns around NHL franchise in playoff race

Andrew Brunette, a former Chicago Blackhawks player, now coaches the Nashville Predators.

This NHL season, he took a big chance that could've hurt his reputation as a coach. But it paid off big time.

In the first 54 games, they struggled a lot and didn't do so well, winning 27 games, losing 25, and having 2 overtime losses.

After a really bad 9-2 loss to the Dallas Stars, Brunette decided to teach his team a lesson. They wanted to go to Las Vegas early for a U2 concert, but he canceled the trip to show them he wasn't happy with their playing.

Some people thought Brunette's decision was a bad one, especially since other people from the Predators' staff were supposed to go to the concert too. But since Brunette canceled the trip, the team has been on fire. They won 14 out of the next 16 games, and only lost 2, but not in regular play. This winning streak set a new record for the Predators.

Now, they're in a good spot for the playoffs, sitting 4th in the NHL's Central Division. If they make it to the playoffs, a lot of people will say it's all thanks to Brunette's decision in February.