[browna]

Onwards and upwards. Said all along Hartley wasn't going to be the coach when this thing looks like it was going to the next step. Not there yet but that's because there is a guy suddenly out there or soon to be out there that will take this team to another level, with a different approach that won't be there next offseason or midseason.

Hartley was brought in as the former GM was sinking and needed someone to help him bail water and get an extra final year out of his career.

It was to try and get a veteran roster into the playoffs.
His hard handed approach didn't work for that roster. The Flames owners wised up and brought in Burke to pull the franchise out of the depths.

There wasn't a coach that Burke wanted after he came in, nor after he finally put the former GM out of his mercy. Hartley impressed enough, or rather, didn't really give Burke a reason to let him go back then.

Last year was as much a fluke for him as it was for the team, but it got him a raise and a multi year salary.

And Hartley's style was heavy handed. Some guys wanted out and got thier wish over the years because of him for reasons mentioned above. But barking at young guys only lasts so long. Special teams this year was terrible and that is teaching and coaching a system and then adapting, none of which worked out. Barking works if you get results long and short term (see Darryl Sutter), but not if you have limited success.

Treliving has to sort out the goalie situation sure. But the two headed approach worked the year before for the two guys involved. The Flames missed out probably on the UFA goalie thet went north. He also missed out on Mike Richards or some player involving a deal with him at the draft. So yeah, he has to do better. Bringing in Hamilton was great, no matter thoughts on his first season. And Treliving hasnowhere near the day to day impact that Hartley has and impresses on young players, guys who have to be handled maybe a bit differently then prior generations or eras that Hartley is used to.

Meanwhile the Flames imo have new life after this. A new coach to help guide the guys that are already above the level that Flames fans hoped, at such ages, and guys that got a look this year that need that confidence.

Finally, always wondered that after Burke got his GM, and then his coach, if he'd ride off into the sunset as far as Calgary goes, fulfilling his mandate to stabilize the ship that the owners started sinking with the hire of the previous GM. Probably a year or two away but my guess is its now sooner then later.