The trials and tribulations of Glen Gulutzan

[Lanny_McDonald]

We aren’t contending for anything with Gulutzan around. People are whistling past the graveyard thinking that. Gulutzan would turn the Tampa Lightning into bubble team because his system would not leverage their strengths. Therein lies the problem with Gulutzan. He doesn’t use the talent at his disposal, which is a recipe for failure every time.

[colbym72]

Originally Posted by kukkudo

Difference between Chevy and Treliving one GM didn't go out and trade a whole bunch of picks away and put his job at risk for next season. Treliving knows next season they cannot afford to miss the playoffs otherwise he most likely is out of a job.

He goes with a Veteran coach this summer.

At least Hamonic is still with the team the next two years. It would have been worse if he made a desperation deadline move

[SuperMatt18]

Originally Posted by New Era

We aren’t contending for anything with Gulutzan around. People are whistling past the graveyard thinking that. Gulutzan would turn the Tampa Lightning into bubble team because his system would not leverage their strengths. Therein lies the problem with Gulutzan. He doesn’t use the talent at his disposal, which is a recipe for failure every time.

I keep seeing this "doesn't use the talent at his disposal" argument and I'm not sure if it's true.

Of the "core" guys:

Gaudreau, Monahan, Backlund, Tkachuk, Hamilton, Ferland have all been pretty good, and have been able to thrive and utilize their talent under Gulutzan.

Giordano has still been really good but we have seen his offense drop off a bit as he has become even stronger defensively.

Brodie has been a disaster under Gulutzan and that is fair. Bennett has been able to produce in a 3rd line role but should have developed into more. Frolik was good last year but has been pretty snake bit this year under GG.

For the most part I think these guys are our "most talented" guys and they have all been pretty productive under Gulutzan. Really only Brodie is the one where I'd say something just hasn't been a fit under Gulutzan's system.

But every coach has those guys. People here claim that Harltey was so good at utilizing people's strengths but forget the he ran Baertschi out of town, had Hamilton on the 3rd pairing and he struggled to the point that he was almost traded after 1 season, and according to Rhett on the radio was the reason Kipper wanted to retire and have nothing to do with hockey anymore.

The argument with Gulutzan that I think is way more valid is that he can't get the less talented guys to play above their skillset and contribute more than their skillset says they should. The skilled guys do just fine for him for the most part though.

It's actually the one thing that Hartley was great at - getting the grinders and lower skill guys to be able to contribute in other ways and to the score sheet every once in a while. GG has really failed at that though as our bottom 6 FWDs and bottom pairing D have really struggled under him both seasons.

[DeluxeMoustache]

Originally Posted by GullFoss

Has anyone looked at the last five games and thought to themselves, "this team looks like its on the cusp of figuring their #### out"?

I know I've been one of the biggest GG detractors all season, but it honestly seems like there has been a positive shift with this team in the past 15 games and its really accelerated into something of significance the past five to nine games or so, to the point that the team is actually consistently passing my eye test for the first time since GG has coached.

- better offensive cycle
- more activation of defensemen
- fourth line is contributing
- more attention to detail on the PK
- better bench management
- Bennett emergence
- Less unforced errors by defensemen
- PP looks only slightly sub-par

I know the flames look all but out the playoffs...but Im actually starting to think they've finally emerged.

I hope you are right, but the competition has not been teams that matter as much as those in the playoff hunt in the West.

The last 4 have been against very bad teams, all ranked 23rd and below. They lost to the team in 23rd, beat the 3 teams in 25th place and lower, and I can say they made it look pretty easy against the 31st place team.

So let’s see how it goes against opposition with something to play for.

[Red]

Originally Posted by SuperMatt18

I keep seeing this "doesn't use the talent at his disposal" argument and I'm not sure if it's true.

Of the "core" guys:

Gaudreau, Monahan, Backlund, Tkachuk, Hamilton, Ferland have all been pretty good, and have been able to thrive and utilize their talent under Gulutzan.

Giordano has still been really good but we have seen his offense drop off a bit as he has become even stronger defensively.

Brodie has been a disaster under Gulutzan and that is fair. Bennett has been able to produce in a 3rd line role but should have developed into more. Frolik was good last year but has been pretty snake bit this year under GG.

For the most part I think these guys are our "most talented" guys and they have all been pretty productive under Gulutzan. Really only Brodie is the one where I'd say something just hasn't been a fit under Gulutzan's system.

But every coach has those guys. People here claim that Harltey was so good at utilizing people's strengths but forget the he ran Baertschi out of town, had Hamilton on the 3rd pairing and he struggled to the point that he was almost traded after 1 season, and according to Rhett on the radio was the reason Kipper wanted to retire and have nothing to do with hockey anymore.

The argument with Gulutzan that I think is way more valid is that he can't get the less talented guys to play above their skillset and contribute more than their skillset says they should. The skilled guys do just fine for him for the most part though.

It's actually the one thing that Hartley was great at - getting the grinders and lower skill guys to be able to contribute in other ways and to the score sheet every once in a while. GG has really failed at that though as our bottom 6 FWDs and bottom pairing D have really struggled under him both seasons.

People seem to forget the dog days of October, November and December when our best offensive D were watching Brodie and Brouwer on the top PP.
We saw the 4th line taking regular shifts while trailing in the 3rd periods.
We saw Matt Bartkowski.
Bennet struggling at C.
Many puzzling decisions over the year and last year (Chiasson on the top line anyone? )
Anybody wants to take a stab at how many points we gave up when you apologists kept telling us to relax months ago?
Sure would be nice to have extra 4-6 points right now, no?

[GioforPM]

Originally Posted by kukkudo

Difference between Chevy and Treliving one GM didn't go out and trade a whole bunch of picks away and put his job at risk for next season. Treliving knows next season they cannot afford to miss the playoffs otherwise he most likely is out of a job.

He goes with a Veteran coach this summer.

The Jets literally just traded a first rounder, FWIW.

I don't disagree that Chevy has done a good job - their drafting has been fine, his trades were good (Kane and Bogosian for Myers, Stafford and a first rounder; Ladd and change for a first rounder and change; Oduya for picks).

But for all that, the teams are actually similar. Their top 10 scorers are all draft picks, except Wheeler, Little and Buf who he inherited and Myers. Of Calgary's top 10, only two are imports (Hamilton and Frolik) - the rest are home grown. They both ride their number one goalie hard - and IMO is the Jets ever lost theirs for a month they would have been in a pretty different position (still in the POs but nowhere near as high).

IMO the key differences are that (a) almost every first rounder they have has panned out - Scheifle/Laine/Ehlers/Conner/Trouba are playing key roles. Calgary has a bit of a hole there - we have Monahan and Tkachuk, but we are waiting for Bennett and Jankowski to find their way and (b) Kane and Bogosian were turned into Trouba and a first rounder. Treliving didn't have that lightning in a bottle type of a trade.

Keep in mind that Chevy has had a lot longer than Treliving, and has missed the POs in 5 of 6 years (and got swept that year).

[Red]

Paul Maurice has over 20 years on NHL coaching experience so they stuck with an experienced coach.
And I am not sure anyone looked at that team 5 years ago and predicted this season's success. They probably wouldn't be able to predict half of their roster.

[GioforPM]

Originally Posted by Red

Paul Maurice has over 20 years on NHL coaching experience so they stuck with an experienced coach.
And I am not sure anyone looked at that team 5 years ago and predicted this season's success. They probably wouldn't be able to predict half of their roster.

A lot of the guys you think about from 5 years ago are still on the team. Wheeler, Little, Buf, Scheifle, Trouba, Enstrom. Myers and Perrault have been there for four.

The Jets are playing with pretty much the same pieces as last year when they missed. However, Laine continuing, Copp and Lowry growing into good pieces, plus Connor having a great rookie season - that's been a pretty good boost. Plus starting goaltending.

[Toonage]

Given how the Jets played free agency last year they clearly did not expect Hellebuyck to play as well as he is. Found money in some respects, not some grand design.

[Resolute 14]

Originally Posted by Red

People seem to forget the dog days of October, November and December when our best offensive D were watching Brodie and Brouwer on the top PP.
We saw the 4th line taking regular shifts while trailing in the 3rd periods.
We saw Matt Bartkowski.
Bennet struggling at C.
Many puzzling decisions over the year and last year (Chiasson on the top line anyone? )
Anybody wants to take a stab at how many points we gave up when you apologists kept telling us to relax months ago?
Sure would be nice to have extra 4-6 points right now, no?

Go back farther.

The player Gulutzan used most with Gaudreau and Monahan on the top line last year was Alex Chiasson.

[Locke]

Originally Posted by Resolute 14

Go back farther.

The player Gulutzan used most with Gaudreau and Monahan on the top line last year was Alex Chiasson.

Whats he doing for work these days?

[Calgary4LIfe]

Originally Posted by Locke

Whats he doing for work these days?

Plays for the caps - though on the 4th line/scratch by the looks of it.

[GioforPM]

Originally Posted by Resolute 14

Go back farther.

The player Gulutzan used most with Gaudreau and Monahan on the top line last year was Alex Chiasson.

Not quite:

https://frozenpool.dobbersports.com/...es=2016-2017:R

[Lanny_McDonald]

Originally Posted by SuperMatt18

I keep seeing this "doesn't use the talent at his disposal" argument and I'm not sure if it's true.

Really? You're not sure it's true? Have you seen his decisions in using lines? Have you seen his decisions in using personnel on those lines? Have you seen the system that handcuffs one of the best puck moving defenses in the league? Have you seen the crap PP, and instance of using certain personnel over others, regardless of outcomes? You're not sure it's true?

Of the "core" guys:

Gaudreau, Monahan, Backlund, Tkachuk, Hamilton, Ferland have all been pretty good, and have been able to thrive and utilize their talent under Gulutzan.

Performance of individuals and proper use of them are NOT the same thing. You expect that young guys, young stars, are going to see progression and increases in scoring, regardless of the coach. Taylor Hall was scoring points in Edmonton, that didn't mean they were using him properly or developing him as a player. Just because a guy is producing does not mean he is being used in ways that can best help the team.

Dougie Hamilton is one of those big guys that Gulutzan has gone full "Simple Jack" Tug Speedman for the better part of half the season. Arguably the most talented blueliner on the team, and Dull Gul goes and ties his ass to the bench as our PP struggles. Took a real tactician and student of the game to figure out that maybe Hamilton would help generate some offense from the backend. Hilarious that it took better than half the season to make that move.

Giordano has still been really good but we have seen his offense drop off a bit as he has become even stronger defensively.

One of the best offensive defensemen in the league and he, along with his fellow defenders, are locked into a crap system that prevents them from using their greatest strength of moving the puck and joining the play. I'm also not seeing any massive improvement in defensive play. The system just doesn't allow for massive improvements in defensive play, from any player. That is indicative of the goal differential and the individual +/-. The system demands perfection in a game where perfection is rarely attained.

Brodie has been a disaster under Gulutzan and that is fair. Bennett has been able to produce in a 3rd line role but should have developed into more. Frolik was good last year but has been pretty snake bit this year under GG.

Okay, so three key players - one a defender we were certain was going to be the team's best, one a proven two-way warrior, and the third the highest pick in team history - have not really had much success. Could it be that they are thrust into roles that don't suit their particular skill sets? No, Gulutzan is too smart for that, just ask him. Those are three key pieces that he has majorly screwed the pooch with.

For the most part I think these guys are our "most talented" guys and they have all been pretty productive under Gulutzan. Really only Brodie is the one where I'd say something just hasn't been a fit under Gulutzan's system.

I would say that no one is a fit in Gulutzan's system. It doesn't use individual's strengths and forces thew square pegs into round holes, pretty much throughout the lineup.

But every coach has those guys. People here claim that Harltey was so good at utilizing people's strengths but forget the he ran Baertschi out of town, had Hamilton on the 3rd pairing and he struggled to the point that he was almost traded after 1 season, and according to Rhett on the radio was the reason Kipper wanted to retire and have nothing to do with hockey anymore.

Who gives a damn about Hartley? Hartley was a craptastic coach as well. His total reliance on shot blocking and the Hail Mary pass was mind numbingly stupid and just as difficult to watch. Using Hartley as a defense for Gulutzan is all fail.

The argument with Gulutzan that I think is way more valid is that he can't get the less talented guys to play above their skillset and contribute more than their skillset says they should. The skilled guys do just fine for him for the most part though.

No, they really don't. The skill guys are under-used. The system doesn't use the ample skills they have. When you go out and invest all of that capital in a mobile blueline that can move the puck with the absolute best of them, you don't go and handcuff them by making them play backwards and prevent them from jumping into the play.

How many times do we see that blithering idiot watch his team get scored on, then he goes and tosses out the fourth line so the opposition can gain a massive shift in momentum? How many times do we have to watch him make piss poor decisions about who to have on the ice in the final minutes of a hockey game. When I see Brouwer or Stajan anywhere near the ice in the final 10 minutes and I want to punch a puppy. But this brainiac continues to do the exact same stuff, with the exact same negative outcomes, like he's some type of tactical genius. Stop playing your worst players in key situations! Stop handcuffing the one part of your team that so much was invested in, and let them use their strengths! Start looking at ways to get more out of the bottom of the lineup but using the players better! Your best players win you hockey games, so stop playing the craptastic ones so much and start using the best ones in ways where their talents are best used!

It's actually the one thing that Hartley was great at - getting the grinders and lower skill guys to be able to contribute in other ways and to the score sheet every once in a while. GG has really failed at that though as our bottom 6 FWDs and bottom pairing D have really struggled under him both seasons.

Gulutzan has failed because he's a mediocre coach. He is set in his system and doesn't care what kind of players he has at his disposal, his system is what the team will play. This is sad, from a hockey fan's perspective, and pathetic, from a results perspective. There is so much talent on this team that is harnessed by the chains of stupidity that is the system Gulutzan has yoked this team with. It is frustrating to watch talented players get misused, and then players past their prime or out of their element forced into roles they have to right to be in. The problems are mostly coach based. Change the coach with someone who knows how to devise a game plan to leverage the talent on the team, and this team transforms itself into a winner overnight.

I've been a fan of this team since 1981, when they won my heart from another. But I am sick of watching this travesty called Gulutzan hockey. There is way better hockey being played around the league, by teams with lesser talent. The Flames are a terribly frustrating team to watch and it is all on the clowns behind the bench - all of them. It is painful to watch games and I completely understand why the season ticket holders here would be less than inclined to put down money to watch the #### show that takes place most nights. There are many times where I wonder why I bothered to invest in NHL Game Center to watch the Flames, but then I watch the other teams and their games and don't feel bad about my investment. There is still quality hockey out there, it just unfortunately doesn't come from games when the Glen Gulutzan led Calgary Flames are on the feed.

[Tron_fdc]

Originally Posted by SuperMatt18

I keep seeing this "doesn't use the talent at his disposal" argument and I'm not sure if it's true.

I think what NewEra is getting at is based from these articles

https://flamesnation.ca/2018/02/12/t...ve-been-hired/

https://flamesnation.ca/2018/02/13/t...ss-vs-results/

https://flamesnation.ca/2018/02/21/t...art-3-defense/

I can't say I disagree.

I want the Flames to make the playoffs. However, I do think it has the potential to hurt their future success. If they make it in, it's likely going to be on the back of a Vezina caliber performance by Mike Smith. I also think if they win a series, it's all going to be Mike Smith. What that likely means is that Gulutzan stays around, and we get another year of mediocre play in '18/19, with an aging goalie that may not replicate what he did this year.

The best thing this team could do (my opinion of course) is make playoffs, maybe win a few games, get some playoff experience, then no matter what, fire Gulutzan in the off season. Go after someone like Quenville if he's available (or another proven, capable coach). Take advantage of the right players in the right places, and THEN go after a cup in the next 2-3 years.

I firmly, firmly believe we are not going to win a cup under our current coach, and we are wasting time keeping him here.

[browna]

I think it’s been sufficiently demonstrated that the coach isn’t able to get the absolute most out of his roster, and on some nights push his players more than others to get that extra out of them at crunch time.

If he could, this team would have at least 10 more points without playing overall much better in games, just delivering knockout punches rather then letting teams hang around after being outplayed, or getting that third period goal rather then conceding, again, after more or less domination of the opponent all game.

For all his positive aspects, he simply cant push those personal buttons effectively. Is he too nice, too awkward, not believable? Who knows. But he got read the riot act by his GM which translated to a stick throw and a streak. Followed by a 6 game losing streak.

He’s got the team playing a system and they’ve more or less bought into his theory. But coaching millionaires still requires pushing them efficiently, sometimes pissing them off, and that has cost the team crucial points this year.

Given thet appears to be his personality, and it’s easier to let one or three guys go then have 20 players adapt their triggers of what motivates them to suit him, with a “win soon” approach from the GM, he just can’t stick around.

I don’t think a fantastic run these next 2 weeks to get to the playoffs gets him off the hook next year, unless they get to the third round somehow.

[Resolute 14]

Originally Posted by GioforPM

Not quite:

https://frozenpool.dobbersports.com/...es=2016-2017:R

Fair enough. I double-checked the stats and realized that it was actually worse than I presented:

http://www.naturalstattrick.com/play...ayerid=8476346

Gaudreau: Just over 1000 min total at 5on5. 726min with Monahan. Then 382 with Chiasson. Then 278 with Ferland.

http://www.naturalstattrick.com/play...ayerid=8477497

Monahan: 726 with Gaudreau. Then 364 with Brouwer. Then 335 with Ferland.

So, it turns out that Gulutzan not only split our two best players for a quarter of their seasons, but ensured that each was saddled with one of the two worst options we had for top six forwards for much of their seasons. Monahan was anchored with Chiasson or Brouwer for 560+ minutes and Gaudreau for 540+ minutes.

[Locke]

Originally Posted by Resolute 14

Fair enough. I double-checked the stats and realized that it was actually worse than I presented:

http://www.naturalstattrick.com/play...ayerid=8476346

Gaudreau: Just over 1000 min total at 5on5. 726min with Monahan. Then 382 with Chiasson. Then 278 with Ferland.

http://www.naturalstattrick.com/play...ayerid=8477497

Monahan: 726 with Gaudreau. Then 364 with Brouwer. Then 335 with Ferland.

So, it turns out that Gulutzan not only split our two best players for a quarter of their seasons, but ensured that each was saddled with one of the two worst options we had for top six forwards for much of their seasons. Monahan was anchored with Chiasson or Brouwer for 560+ minutes and Gaudreau for 540+ minutes.

You are simply not as intelligent as Glen Gulutzan because you cant see what he sees.

My Grandmother tells me the same thing all the time but she has severe Dementia.

[Major Major]

I have no problem with the firing of GG if the flames miss. I don't have a problem with them firing him if they make it but have an underwhelming first round exit. But the people claiming that the best result would be for the flames to achieve playoff success AND fire gulutzan are missing the mark.

If the flames go on a heater which we all know is possible and many have been predicting, the flames and GG will be judged on the whole body of work with the result being that they hit expectations. Winning a round changes the perception and guarantees him coming back. I have a gut feeling that he's back regardless much to the dismay of many flames fans.

I'm pretty meh on the guy. Makes some very questionable decisions. I don't think he's as ghastly as some. I think the team could come together for him due to a confluence of ridiculous and quite random variables, seen and unseen, just as well as they could for just about any qualified professional hockey coach. Nice hair though. (Am I doing it right?)

[SuperMatt18]

Originally Posted by New Era

Really? You're not sure it's true? Have you seen his decisions in using lines? Have you seen his decisions in using personnel on those lines? Have you seen the system that handcuffs one of the best puck moving defenses in the league? Have you seen the crap PP, and instance of using certain personnel over others, regardless of outcomes? You're not sure it's true?



Performance of individuals and proper use of them are NOT the same thing. You expect that young guys, young stars, are going to see progression and increases in scoring, regardless of the coach. Taylor Hall was scoring points in Edmonton, that didn't mean they were using him properly or developing him as a player. Just because a guy is producing does not mean he is being used in ways that can best help the team.

Dougie Hamilton is one of those big guys that Gulutzan has gone full "Simple Jack" Tug Speedman for the better part of half the season. Arguably the most talented blueliner on the team, and Dull Gul goes and ties his ass to the bench as our PP struggles. Took a real tactician and student of the game to figure out that maybe Hamilton would help generate some offense from the backend. Hilarious that it took better than half the season to make that move.

One of the best offensive defensemen in the league and he, along with his fellow defenders, are locked into a crap system that prevents them from using their greatest strength of moving the puck and joining the play. I'm also not seeing any massive improvement in defensive play. The system just doesn't allow for massive improvements in defensive play, from any player. That is indicative of the goal differential and the individual +/-. The system demands perfection in a game where perfection is rarely attained.

Okay, so three key players - one a defender we were certain was going to be the team's best, one a proven two-way warrior, and the third the highest pick in team history - have not really had much success. Could it be that they are thrust into roles that don't suit their particular skill sets? No, Gulutzan is too smart for that, just ask him. Those are three key pieces that he has majorly screwed the pooch with.

I would say that no one is a fit in Gulutzan's system. It doesn't use individual's strengths and forces thew square pegs into round holes, pretty much throughout the lineup.

Who gives a damn about Hartley? Hartley was a craptastic coach as well. His total reliance on shot blocking and the Hail Mary pass was mind numbingly stupid and just as difficult to watch. Using Hartley as a defense for Gulutzan is all fail.

No, they really don't. The skill guys are under-used. The system doesn't use the ample skills they have. When you go out and invest all of that capital in a mobile blueline that can move the puck with the absolute best of them, you don't go and handcuff them by making them play backwards and prevent them from jumping into the play.

How many times do we see that blithering idiot watch his team get scored on, then he goes and tosses out the fourth line so the opposition can gain a massive shift in momentum? How many times do we have to watch him make piss poor decisions about who to have on the ice in the final minutes of a hockey game. When I see Brouwer or Stajan anywhere near the ice in the final 10 minutes and I want to punch a puppy. But this brainiac continues to do the exact same stuff, with the exact same negative outcomes, like he's some type of tactical genius. Stop playing your worst players in key situations! Stop handcuffing the one part of your team that so much was invested in, and let them use their strengths! Start looking at ways to get more out of the bottom of the lineup but using the players better! Your best players win you hockey games, so stop playing the craptastic ones so much and start using the best ones in ways where their talents are best used!

Gulutzan has failed because he's a mediocre coach. He is set in his system and doesn't care what kind of players he has at his disposal, his system is what the team will play. This is sad, from a hockey fan's perspective, and pathetic, from a results perspective. There is so much talent on this team that is harnessed by the chains of stupidity that is the system Gulutzan has yoked this team with. It is frustrating to watch talented players get misused, and then players past their prime or out of their element forced into roles they have to right to be in. The problems are mostly coach based. Change the coach with someone who knows how to devise a game plan to leverage the talent on the team, and this team transforms itself into a winner overnight.

I've been a fan of this team since 1981, when they won my heart from another. But I am sick of watching this travesty called Gulutzan hockey. There is way better hockey being played around the league, by teams with lesser talent. The Flames are a terribly frustrating team to watch and it is all on the clowns behind the bench - all of them. It is painful to watch games and I completely understand why the season ticket holders here would be less than inclined to put down money to watch the #### show that takes place most nights. There are many times where I wonder why I bothered to invest in NHL Game Center to watch the Flames, but then I watch the other teams and their games and don't feel bad about my investment. There is still quality hockey out there, it just unfortunately doesn't come from games when the Glen Gulutzan led Calgary Flames are on the feed.

Gulutzan isn't a great coach, and for sure there are lots of things that he can improve.

Special teams are an issue.

For me the biggest mistake that GG made all season long IMO was the use of the d-men on the PP. Having Brodie anchoring PP1 and Gio & Hamilton on PP2 was idiotic and took way too much time to change up.

I still don't really like the diamond system on the PK either - think it gives up too many chances .

But at 5v5 the coaching of this team isn't that bad, and even though people don't like the "style" of the system it doesn't prevent the players from succeeding in their roles or and doesn't "limit" their strengths as much as some on here like to think. This isn't some 90s New Jersey Devils or Dave Tippett trapping defensive system.

There is nothing in this system that says the dmen have to pass back and forth and can't carry the puck. They just want to break out as a team - which doesn't limit the d-men from carrying the puck up the ice - it limits the stretch passes.

The d-men are still fully engaged in the offensive zone. Hamilton is 3rd in the league in shots by a d-man, Giordano is 13th, Hamonic & Brodie are both in the top 80.

In terms of scoring chances Hamilton is 5th, Giordano is 11th, Brodie 61st, Hamonic 87th. Our top 4 d-man are once again all in the top 90 of league d-men at 5v5.

Just because the system doesn't have them rushing end to end doesn't mean it limits them from being engaged in the offense of this team.

In terms of not using his skill guys at Forward it's been shown that if anything he plays his top 6 forwards more than the other average teams do - somebody else proved that with some of the TOI metrics.

He also puts them in positions that put the team in the best position to succeed. Monahan & Bennett lines get most of their time starting in the offensive zone against other teams 2nd and 3rd lines. Backlund's line gets all the tough matchups and defensive zone starts. The 4th line pretty much plays exclusively against other teams 4th lines.

I agree he does play the 4th line too much in the 3rd period at times but even then the Flames have trailed for 955 minutes this year (12th in the league). Our 4th line has played about 168 of those minutes or 17.5% of them.

To compare the first line plays about 31% of those minutes, 2nd line about 27%, and the 3rd line about 25% of those minutes. So really the 4th line's role when we are trailing isn't that big.

I agree that there is times when we are trailing in the 3rd with 10 minutes left that they shouldn't see the ice, and it also annoys the crap out of me when they throw the 4th line out there after we score a goal (especially on the road) but overall the 4th line gets low leverage situations.

The style may not have generated the results we want, and it may not be as attractive as fans would like, but it hasn't hampered our top forwards from being productive, and it hasn't stopped our d-men from generating chances and getting involved in team offense.

I also think that if they find an upgrade at coach then GG should be gone but IMO it needs to be a true upgrade. Don’t fire him if you’re just going to bring in another “Glen Gulutzan” type hire. Go get either a guy that is a proven winner (Sutter, Quenneville) or a guy that was more of a no brainer heralded by all as a great hockey mind type (Cooper). Change just to change it up would be a step back at this point IMO.