There are a lot of factors that have to be considered when looking at something like goal differential in the third period (including luck).
But one thing that comes immediately to mind for me is that I think Gulutzan's mindset as a coach is reactionary and defensive. I would like to see them be more aggressive and assertive. And while luck and situation (being behind) both likely played into Hartley's results, I think it is also true that the team was very assertive, very damn-the-torpedoes under him.
To be clear, I am not suggesting that Hartley was a better coach. I am merely saying that I think the team needs to focus more on their own strengths and be assertive, and less on reacting to the other team and what they are doing.
Because, like the OP is suggesting, it seems to me that when they are behind in the third, they seem to roll over. I have no confidence that they can mount a comeback.
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