Sutter has been effective at modifying his system over time. However, the fundamental Sutter system with big bodies at all positions, heavy forecheck, man-to-man defense, playing along the boards, etc. only works if you have a big team that can play that way if asked to (e.g. Lightning or Jets). The current iteration of the Flames is a averaged-sized team in all aspects, and a very small team compared to the cup-winning Kings teams.
Sutter might still be a good coach, but he's really failed at adapting his system for the team that he has.
If we look at the Flames D, the 2022-23 d corps is full of highly mobile and/or high IQ players in Andersson, Weegar, Hanfin, Tanev, and now Stecher. Yet, why is Sutter asking his "small-ish", mobile defense to play a conservative, man-to-man, and defense-first style? Weegar is a great example of this sub-optimal coaching. He was a two-way force in Florida (7th in Norris voting in 2020-21 and 14th last year), constantly rushing the puck, pinching, and making smart plays all over the ice. Why isn't he doing that now?
It's the same story on offense. Tell me if this is an offense that should be ranked 22 in GF:
- Premier playmaker averaging 92pt per 82 games over the past five seasons
- Selke candidate averaging 74pt per 82 games over the past four seasons
- Two-way forward averaging 21g per 82 games over the past four seasons
- Offensive forward averaging 28g per 82 games over the past four seasons
- Two-way forward with Selke-caliber defense averaging 48p per 82 games for the past eight seasons
- Offensive forward averaging 30g per 82 games over the past three seasons
- Offensive forward averaging 25g and 35a per 82 games for the past decade
- Some talented young-guns with potential in Dube, Ruzicka, and Pelletier
People can blame chemistry or players not being elite enough, but its should be obvious that there is still skill on the Flames. These players didn't suddenly forget how to score overnight after doing it for years in the NHL.
I think it's fair to put most of the blame on the man at the helm who refuses to mix-up the lines, under-utilizes his most offensively skilled players, and won't change-up the system to embrace the more wide-open NHL game of 2022-23
At this point in time with 2-3 more seasons before retirement, how motivated is Sutter to re-learn the game and tweak his style like he did in the past? If the goal is to win now, Sutter needs to go back to the farm and be replaced with someone that embraces the modern game