Quote:
Originally Posted by FlamesAddiction
Is it possible that the best Flames players just don't have the tools to play the possession driven style that Gulutzan wants? If it were easy, wouldn't every team excel at it. Maybe Hartley figured it out early and picked the style that he thought went best with the group that he had?
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Maybe, but it's just as likely that his style was categorically unfit for the modern NHL, hence why the change despite not having a goalie all year.
I wouldn't suggest the Flames can't play this style. Any quality NHLer can play any style you want, but how about we give the Flames time to adapt to a brand new style? For some players (Monahan, Gaudreau) Hartley was the only NHL coach they've had, and the only system they've had to learn.
And success with possession hockey is about puck management and anticipation of the play. You have to think 2-3 moves ahead like you would in chess, so when players aren't sure where to be on the ice to create support, it looks terrible. As soon as they figure it out and make it second nature they'll be much more effective.