Quote:
Originally Posted by KootenayFlamesFan
So one team is exceeding expectations and the coach has zero to do with it.
Another team is doing very well so that must mean the coaching is good.
C'mon man.
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Nice try, that's not even close to what I said.
Flames play like crap (24th XGF%) and have a hot goalie, Washington is playing well (10th XGF%) and has a hot goalie. Flames are battling for WC2 and Washington is battling for first overall. Low skill teams can still have an okay XGF%, but they may not get the goals due to lack of skill. The Flames evidently have a dearth of forward skill, so the coaching response is to generate less chances?
Washington was 18th last year and Flames were 23rd. Both are getting amazing goaltending this year and Washington improved 16 spots and Calgary has improved 8.
Ignoring the results and avoiding an argument about over or under performing, I don't think the Flames play a style that will win at this level. Being more aggressive in the defensive zone isn't a lack of skill thing, it's a planned system. You can still play zone defense and not collapse way back like the Flames do. Giving the best hockey players in the world extra time and space is not a recipe for success.
I'd really like to know what teams play this passively (5v5 defense and PK) and have been successful. On the offensive side, they aren't scoring goals and have not been all season. Should they not adjust and try something different? I haven't seen any adjustments to style of play this season.