Quote:
Originally Posted by Textcritic
Honestly? I don't think this is a great fit for this group. The Flames don't need to so much learn the game as they do need to figure out how to manage it psychologically and emotionally.
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I would disagree with that.
I don't think the problem is all in managing their emotions and psychology. I really do think they need an experienced coach who can manage those aspects, but they also need to revamp the way they play.
I do think that defensively this team is a work in progress. They haven't been able to play 'lockdown' defence for any length of time. They simply make too many errors with what seems like too many odd-man rushes.
I think their entire transition needs to be revamped. I think they can cycle well now as a group - I would say the size and strength of this team allows for that now, and they seem like a decent team at actually sustaining offensive zone time as well as having the ability to block the opposition's cycle in the defensive zone - something I don't think this team has been able to do since probably the Keenan days.
I don't think this team plays well in the offensive zone - the need to learn to block guys off, where to go for second chances, tips and tricks to avoid getting your stick tied-up - stuff like that. I think they need to shift back to a quicker transition - heck, Darryl Sutter even made that comment about how important it is for a team in today's NHL to transition quickly.
The Flames do a lot of things right. I don't think that the time spent under Gulutzan has been a complete waste - that 50/50 hockey will help them out in future battles, and as mentioned, they have become proficient at cycling, and probably a tonne of other stuff. I just think their structure and play-style needs to change, and it will require a coach to come in and teach them these things, and it goes (IMO) well beyond just managing emotions and impacting their psychology.