In the NFL more than in the NHL a coach's ability to motivate and prepare their team is really judge by their record in division but particularly against heated rivals in big games.
Last year Gulutzan was 2-4-3 against Edmonton and Vancouver. Two wins in nine games. Not good enough at all. He's already 1-2 this season. I know it's on the players to get up for these games but the coach does have a hand in that and this team seems to wilt in big games. If my math is correct Hartley (throw out lockout season) was 10-5-3 against those two teams.
I will be shocked if they beat the Oilers at home on Saturday. It's a big game on Hockey Night in Canada and I can't help but feel that the Flames will be listless and awful in a big spot as usual.
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