Quote:
Originally Posted by Ashasx
If it's true then we should just let this team play. That team, apparently without a coach, had more structure than the Flames have seen since March 2019 onward.
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It is pretty amazing how our memories change over time. I also have very fond memories of Hartley's 2014–15 Flames, who seemed never to be out of a game no matter the score. But I also have some recollection of the following season, and rather prevalent criticisms of Hartley's passive defensive style, a lack of possession-driving play, and very poor special teams. Yeah, his goaltenders were not great, but when the other team always has the puck there isn't much a goalie can do. For all the complaints here about the previous coach's inability to make in-game adjustments, Hartley was lambasted for the same thing just as frequently.
It has been five years since Hartley has coached in the NHL, and I am betting that no one here has been closely watching his teams in Avengard. All we have to go on is his last appearance with the Flames, and it was far from stellar. But even beyond his coaching abilities at the highest level, it is pretty clear that for all his early accolades Bob Hartley sure does not command much respect in this League. Matt Stajan was on the radio earlier this week, and he practically balked at a suggested comparison between Hartley and Darryl Sutter. He followed up right away with noting how highly Sutter is respected, and how deeply he genuinely cares about his players.