Flames fire Geoff Ward, hire Darryl Sutter, signs 3 year deal

[EVERLAST]

Keep at it… As a blazing fire takes whatever you throw on it, and makes it light and flame.

[GioforPM]

Originally Posted by Rick M.

Tavares?

Yup. Often used as an example of someone who improved skating.

[Flamescuprun2018]

Originally Posted by Wastedyouth

Gaudreau has won and wants to win at every level he has ever played at.

I am not that worried about him.

I am with you on that. Gaudreau is super competitive.

He has that snarl at times determined to carry his team.

Darryl might be just what the doctor ordered to convince Johnny to stay a bit beyond his current contract if this team plays at that Cup contender level over the next 2 seasons. Noone wants to walk away from a decent shot at a Cup.

Darryl will know how best to utilize him. It might not be with Monny but it will be prominent.

[BigErnSalute_16]

Originally Posted by Cali Panthers Fan

#### it. I'm sold.

I told myself I wouldn't get my hopes up again, but like a fool, I've fallen back in love with this team.

I'm preparing now. The beard starts today in anticipation of a playoff run. I hope to be Mike Commodore levels by the time the playoffs start, and ol' prospector levels by the time the playoffs are over.




But of course with my luck, the Flames will run into the Panthers in the final and lose in 7 games.

Dude, same. Just when I thought this season couldn't get any worse, they go and do something like this... and TOTALLY REDEEM THEMSELVES!

I'm back in and I'm on board with the playoff beard. I'm gunna shave today and start from scratch.

Also I instead of panthers it would be amazing to get revenge on that other Florida team in the finals

[XeO]

Hi Calgary4LIfe, I remember reading your post analyzing the previous flames head coaches but you didn’t include Darryl Sutter. I was wondering if you could give your thoughts on how the flames played tactic wise under him or in general what you expect the flames to do tactically under Darryl Sutter. Thanks! I did read your break down of each flames player prediction. I guess I’m curious team wise what you expect (example quick transitions, stretch passes, will they pressure the puck carrier when defending but give up higher scoring chances or be more passive defending but allow perimeter shots etc) maybe you don’t know all the answers but I have been enjoying your analysis comments!

[edslunch]

Someone should contact Tkachuk and tell him about skating lessons. I'm surprised he hadn't heard about them before.

[GioforPM]

Originally Posted by edslunch

Someone should contact Tkachuk and tell him about skating lessons. I'm surprised he hadn't heard about them before.

He has been to Dawn Braid at least once, if you read my earlier post. But going and working steadily at it are two different things. Tkachuk’s done well at his current ability at all levels. So he hasn’t had to really work at it.

You can dismiss it, but there’s plenty of guys who’ve improved their skating while in the NHL and it’s boosted their careers. Heck, there’s guys who didn’t really need to improve very much that have worked on it. Taylor Hall attended with Braid as well.

[edslunch]

Originally Posted by GioforPM

He has been to Dawn Braid at least once, if you read my earlier post. But going and working steadily at it are two different things. Tkachuk’s done well at his current ability at all levels. So he hasn’t had to really work at it.

You can dismiss it, but there’s plenty of guys who’ve improved their skating while in the NHL and it’s boosted their careers. Heck, there’s guys who didn’t really need to improve very much that have worked on it. Taylor Hall attended with Braid as well.

What I'm dismissing is the notion that this hasn't been a major point of discussion for him throughout his career. Do you really think the training staff hasn't worked with him on this?

[Rick M.]

Originally Posted by djsFlames

Thank you for this actually. Did not know the physiology side of 'fastness' and how that works.

Lol I guess that makes McDavid a close relative of a chimp? Explains a few things.

Now that you mention it, the resemblance to McDavid is remarkable:

https://www.google.ca/url?sa=i&url=h...AAAAAdAAAAABAD

[DeluxeMoustache]

Originally Posted by edslunch

What I'm dismissing is the notion that this hasn't been a major point of discussion for him throughout his career. Do you really think the training staff hasn't worked with him on this?

I’m not sure what you are going for.

Do you really think that Tkachuk has spent absolutely as much time as he can to perfect his skating? Countless hours of specific attention to fine details, and endless reps to attain mastery? Has he attained the absolute peak of his abilities where at this point only his physiology limits his ability?

I have seen Flames practices over the years and this isn’t what they do

[powderjunkie]

Originally Posted by Snuffleupagus

It's not about the size it's about the type of muscle fibers, you might be naturally fast because you have good fast-twitch muscles, some people have genetically more and others need to train each muscle group a lot to achieve them. Even in world class athletes this can take a long time.

Take a look at our relatives, a male or female chimpanzee pound for pound is about 1.5x stronger than a man and 2x stronger than a woman. Why? Because Chimps have about 70% fast-twitch muscles compared to 40% for humans.

I'm guessing here, but I imagine there could also be some other subtle muscoloskeletal differences that contribute, too? A degree or two difference in various alignments (ie. hips) could make a big difference

[DeluxeMoustache]

Originally Posted by powderjunkie

I'm guessing here, but I imagine there could also be some other subtle muscoloskeletal differences that contribute, too? A degree or two difference in various alignments (ie. hips) could make a big difference

This is definitely relevant. People without the ability to open their hips won’t be able to do Mohawks like Crosby

[taxbuster]

Originally Posted by djsFlames

As a naturally fast person, I have trouble wrapping my mind around someone being unable to simply move their legs quickly when needed. Particularly athletes that train.

Sounds arrogant, but on the other hand I'm like.. what gives. Just practice moving one foot in front of the other and give it some mustard. Why can't you do that when you have friggin elephant's thighs.

I mean if that dickbutt Leon can..

It's not just speed on skates...it's speed of execution of plays - accurately. The Flames CAN do this well - we've seen it. They just haven't done so because they were playing a stifling style of hockey that didn't play to their talents and natural abilities. They wouldn't be in the NHL if they couldn't think and react at speeds we can only dream of (yes, even Looch). THAT is what needs to come back to this team - speed of execution. That and GAF.

[dustygoon]

Probably was mentioned already, but interesting what DS had to say about Huska. He tried to hire him in LA, but Huska chose the Stockton job.

[Calgary4LIfe]

Mile's post in the Trade Rumours got me thinking. He posted an article, and in that article it stated that Darryl is the 17th most successful coach (by wins) in the history of the NHL. Let's take a look at what can happen during his tenure here in Calgary:

Darryl sits at 634 wins. Probable through possible coaches he may pass while head coach here:

Ron Wilson - 648
Claude Julien - 667
Mike Keenan - 672
Pat Quinn - 684
Dick Irvin - 691
Mike Babcock - 700

After that, there are 3 guys that are employed, and then a big jump to Al Arbour with 782, which is probably out of reach unless he re-ups in Calgary (or somewhere else).

By the end of his term here in Calgary, assuming let's say 16 wins, 40 wins and 40 wins (just in the playoff territory, so modestly reasonable assumption), that will translate into 96 wins, giving him 730, and in sole possession of 12th overall in the list. 11th if Julien doesn't get rehired (which I assume he would).

When the Flames were 2nd overall in the NHL, they hit 50 wins. That's a tall order to hit again. Still not enough to pass Al Arbour (and Hitchcock is next on the list at 849).

It is a reasonable expectation that by the time Darryl finishes his contract here, that he will be the 12 most successful coach in NHL history by wins.

If you are measuring by cups, then Darryl Sutter is tied for 12th overall (surprised me how difficult it is for a coach to repeat). If he wins one cup during his time in Calgary, he moves up into a tie for 8th best (with Joel Quenneville). If he wins 2 cups while in Calgary (totally reasonable expectation!!) he jumps into a tie for 4th most successful coach in NHL history. Winning 3 cups over his contract pushes him into a tie for 3rd overall (wouldn't that be nice?). Fat chance of passing Bowman (9 cups), and Toe Blake (8), ever.

Definitely some milestones for Darryl to hit with his time on the Flames in wins (and hopefully cups! lol)

As it sits right now among active coaches only Darryl is tied with Mike Sullivan for 2nd place in number of Stanley Cups won with only Coach Q in front of him, and 9th place in wins (counting Julien, and not counting Babcock).

Yeah, I think Calgary hired a pretty good coach.


Thought it would be interesting to see coaches ranked by their first NHL season - some caught me off guard.


Rick Bowness - 1988-89
Darryl Sutter - 1992-93
Paul Maurice - 1995-96 (say what???)
Joel Quenneville (1996-97)


Paul Maurice is the sneaky tenured coach on this list.

[Beatle17]

Originally Posted by taxbuster

It's not just speed on skates...it's speed of execution of plays - accurately. The Flames CAN do this well - we've seen it. They just haven't done so because they were playing a stifling style of hockey that didn't play to their talents and natural abilities. They wouldn't be in the NHL if they couldn't think and react at speeds we can only dream of (yes, even Looch). THAT is what needs to come back to this team - speed of execution. That and GAF.

Good call. I really notice how the play slows down so much when the D are playing catch with each other. Move the puck up quick like the other teams have been doing to you.

[GioforPM]

Originally Posted by edslunch

What I'm dismissing is the notion that this hasn't been a major point of discussion for him throughout his career. Do you really think the training staff hasn't worked with him on this?

I’m sure the normal training staff hasn’t. That’s not really what they do at all. AMD I know for a fact it’s been a point of discussion, otherwise he would never have taken any classes at all. My point is that maybe he hasn’t focussed on it as hard as he could because he’s gotten away with his current strong abilities in other areas. And if he really worked hard at it this offseason, it might pay dividends. I don’t know if any coach has really pushed him on this. Sutter might.

[Scroopy Noopers]

We constantly hear about Tkachuk staying long at practice tipping pucks, but I don’t recall ever hearing skating mentioned.

[GioforPM]

Originally Posted by Scroopy Noopers

We constantly hear about Tkachuk staying long at practice tipping pucks, but I don’t recall ever hearing skating mentioned.

I used to be a music teacher and I also coached at the schools I worked at, and IME it’s human nature for people to practice what they’re already good at. It’s more fun and you feel good about yourself. Practicing things you’re not good at takes more effort and isn’t fun at first.

Also, practicing tips is a short amount of time. I imagine practicing skating is a longer deal and takes more energy, and I don’t really know that it’s an in-season activity.

It’s funny, but in youth hockey, skating technique isn’t really the subject of much in depth work at practices. Lots of my kids’ teams would get a skating coach in for like one session. No reinforcement afterwards. If they were lucky, their coach was a good skater and could give tips. But lots of coaches are not versed in skating technique.

[Scroopy Noopers]

Originally Posted by GioforPM

I used to be a music teacher and I also coached at the schools I worked at, and IME it’s human nature for people to practice what they’re already good at. It’s more fun and you feel good about yourself. Practicing things you’re not good at takes more effort and isn’t fun at first.

Also, practicing tips is a short amount of time. I imagine practicing skating is a longer deal and takes more energy, and I don’t really know that it’s an in-season activity.

It’s funny, but in youth hockey, skating technique isn’t really the subject of much in depth work at practices. Lots of my kids’ teams would get a skating coach in for like one session. No reinforcement afterwards. If they were lucky, their coach was a good skater and could give tips. But lots of coaches are not versed in skating technique.

Yeah the only skating lessons I had growing up was at “Power Skating”. I’m not sure if it was my parents idea or something our team just did, but it was a specific group of instructors, and I hated it. And I’m not a great skater.

We all joked growing up that you can’t teach skating. But you can, just nobody does.