Quote:
Originally Posted by redforever
No, I think that credit goes to Smith being a superior goalie compared to what Hartley had his last year with the Flames. Don't think that has much to do with coaching.
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Yeah except the Flames only allowed 221 goals last season, an even better pace than this season with worse goaltenders in Elliott and Johnson.
After that despicable start last season, they actually one of the top 5 teams in the league in goals allowed which also allowed them to win something like 40 wins in their last 65 games or so.
I don't doubt that Smith has been fantastic and has stolen us games this season. But the defensive play is night and day when comparing Hartley and Gulutzan's systems.
I know there seems to be an irrational hate for Gulutzan in this place. But when your team finishes last in the league goals allowed under Hartley, you can do better.