Since the meta has only gotten more meta, I'm going to focus on my takeaway from this video.
I'm certainly in the camp that has criticized Gulutzan's overuse of underperforming veterans. And Gulutzan has yet to let up on this, seeing as how Brouwer found himself on the second line against the Kings. But one encouraging sign I heard in this video is Gulutzan calling out his veterans specifically with the "one good game" line. What this shows is that Gulutzan isn't blind to the fact that his vets are playing like crap this season. Sure he's still playing them too much, perhaps in a (stubborn?) attempt to shake them out of their rut, but at least he's aware that his vets aren't helping him this season.
To read into this a little more, I find it interesting that this outburst comes on the heels of the Jankowski line finding it's stride and now the Mangiapane call up demonstrating to the coaching staff that there are guys in the AHL who can not only compete on the same level as these struggling vets, but outperform them. I bet Gulutzan was in disbelief that the vets weren't giving it their all in practice given how successful the call ups have been. I think he's realizing his loyalties and respect were misplaced, and that he'll be judged as a coach only on results -- not on how well he handled his vets.
But it remains to be seen if he can change tact mid-season. I've questioned Gulutzan's ability to adapt. Giving vets more leash than they've earned may just be "how it's done" in his mind. Even if it has only cost him as a coach.
|