Dan Bylsma on Blending Trade Deadline Acquisitions

0:00For the NHL, it's March 10th, and here's what's going on. Former Penguin's coach, Dan Bilsma, is breaking down how coaches blend new players acquired at the NHL trade deadline into a team chasing the Stanley Cup. Playoffs. Drawing from his time behind the bench in Pittsburgh, Buffalo, and Seattle, he says every acquisition is unique, whether it's a depth of fenceman or a desk, star, forward. Back in 2009, when the Penguins won it all, they added guys like Billy Garen, Chris Cunitz, Craig Adams, and Philippe Boucher, each, bringing something different to the mix. Earlier this week, in the coaches' room feature, Bilsma recalled deadline deals for Joe Marl and Jerome Iggenla. Marl was a versatile power forward, who could slot anywhere in the line-up, while Egypt stepped up big amid injuries to Sydney Crosby and Evgeny. With only 20-25 games left before the postseason, these vets filled key roles on the power play and helped push the team forward. Coaches have to watch out for the human side too.

1:03Existing players who bond it over 60-plus games can feel displaced, maybe losing a top-line spot or penalty kill duties. Bilsma stress is clear, frequent talks with those guys to keep the room steady and manage the emotions that come with change. The key to quick integration is keeping it simple. Don't overload newcomers with a full system in one meeting. They won't absorb it. Instead, pick one or two focuses, like a 1-2-2-4 check, and tell them to just play their game. Most players have seen similar setups before, so it clicks fast. Bilsma knows this firsthand from his playing days with the 2003 Anaheim Ducks, when trades for Rob Neeter Mayor and Steve Thomas Bumped, him down the line-up while he nursed an injury. That experience made him better at handling team dynamics during crunch time, ensuring everyone buys in for the playoff run. The Daily News Now is presented by our sponsor. If earbuds fall out when you sleep, this is for you. A pillow with built-in sound, S-O-L-I, soleypillow.com.