Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community - View Single Post - [PGT] Flames lose 4-2 as special teams fail them yet again

Calgary4LIfe · 11-11-2016, 08:20 PM

I had the Flames in the playoffs this year, but coming nowhere close to the cup. It would have been great for the development of the players to get more playoff experience. However, what I most wanted to see was this team take a step forward. Better in the standings, and better on the ice.

This team has taken a step back from Hartley - at least so far. No identity, no swagger, no confidence, and a huge propensity for making big blunders that costs a goal against. Too many breakdowns. Not enough creativity now offensively. Sure, the puck possession is better, but that's not why I watch hockey. I don't take some glee in watching the Flames hold the puck more but do much less with it.

There is one serious flaw with the Flames over the last 20+ years. Anyone guess what it is?

It is the inability to hire competent coaching. Now, I don't want to crucify Gulutzan here - I am sure he is getting some heat from Treliving as I am sure the organization wants this 'lousiness' turned around right quick, and 15 games is still too early to can him (unless he didn't get any wins at all).

However, I also can't stop thinking of one thing. What were some of the reasons Hartley got axed?

- Poor special teams
- Defensive issues
- Used 'tough' players sparingly (Bollig was mentioned by name)
- "Took the team as far as he could" (people interpreted it as 'losing the room', but every player seems to disagree).

So, what has been fixed?

- Special teams are horrid
- Defensive issues are plaguing this team still
- Don't really care about playing the 'tough' players more, but Gulutzan is not really getting the Flames to play 'black and blue' hockey (which is fine)

Is there anything better over last season thus far? Is it better, or is it worse? It sure SEEMS worse, and this is a better team over the one they had last year. Still, there are growing pains sometimes when players are adjusting to coaches and new teammates. All I know is this team is losing, and they are much less fun to watch. Maybe a good winning streak will change that completely around - maybe that is all this team really needs, is to just go on a bit of a winning streak just to regain confidence, swagger and increase their tempo. Winning can cure everything I guess.

I am just not convinced this team can pull off a winning streak of any length.

11-11-2016, 08:20 PM	#252
Calgary4LIfe Franchise Player Join Date: Jun 2010 Exp:	I had the Flames in the playoffs this year, but coming nowhere close to the cup. It would have been great for the development of the players to get more playoff experience. However, what I most wanted to see was this team take a step forward. Better in the standings, and better on the ice. This team has taken a step back from Hartley - at least so far. No identity, no swagger, no confidence, and a huge propensity for making big blunders that costs a goal against. Too many breakdowns. Not enough creativity now offensively. Sure, the puck possession is better, but that's not why I watch hockey. I don't take some glee in watching the Flames hold the puck more but do much less with it. There is one serious flaw with the Flames over the last 20+ years. Anyone guess what it is? It is the inability to hire competent coaching. Now, I don't want to crucify Gulutzan here - I am sure he is getting some heat from Treliving as I am sure the organization wants this 'lousiness' turned around right quick, and 15 games is still too early to can him (unless he didn't get any wins at all). However, I also can't stop thinking of one thing. What were some of the reasons Hartley got axed? - Poor special teams - Defensive issues - Used 'tough' players sparingly (Bollig was mentioned by name) - "Took the team as far as he could" (people interpreted it as 'losing the room', but every player seems to disagree). So, what has been fixed? - Special teams are horrid - Defensive issues are plaguing this team still - Don't really care about playing the 'tough' players more, but Gulutzan is not really getting the Flames to play 'black and blue' hockey (which is fine) Is there anything better over last season thus far? Is it better, or is it worse? It sure SEEMS worse, and this is a better team over the one they had last year. Still, there are growing pains sometimes when players are adjusting to coaches and new teammates. All I know is this team is losing, and they are much less fun to watch. Maybe a good winning streak will change that completely around - maybe that is all this team really needs, is to just go on a bit of a winning streak just to regain confidence, swagger and increase their tempo. Winning can cure everything I guess. I am just not convinced this team can pull off a winning streak of any length.