Count me among the relieved. He's an alright coach and with that strongish lineup I expect the Ducks to do well next year and even the one after.
But I did't want him with this Flames team. I didn't want the questions regarding how much power Burke has over Treliving's decisions. I didn't want another hardass, gruff coach (not that Hartley totally was this but he leaned towards it), I didn't want a overly-experienced coach (meaning I'm interested in fresh blood), I didn't want a coach that my Oiler, Leaf and Canuck fan friends (why do I have these?) could so easily razz me about. I didn't want someone who is possibly the antithesis of what Treliving claimed we needed when he let Hartley go. Carlyle was all of these things in my opinion.
I want a youngish coach with a reputation as a communicator and teacher who has pro experience, both as a head coach and an assistant (especially with coaches that have great reputations and results ie Quenneville). Especially I want one who seems to understand how important puck possession is.
I still like Kevin Dineen a lot. I am intrigued by Reirden and I think Geoff Ward could be good. Maybe Green. Quite unsure about Gulutzan and leaning towards a "no".
Carlyle is a bullet dodged for me. I don't know how close the bullet actually was but I am happy it didn't hit us.
|