The Calgary Flames head coaching search is over. They had been looking for a new head coach since May 3rd after they fired Bob Hartley. Hartley was the coach for 4 years, going 134-135-25. The Flames made the playoffs once under him, last year. They fired him after a 35-40-7 record this season, missing the playoffs by 10 points. The Flames weren’t playing the hockey they needed to and Hartley was responsible. Rumors were they were going after Bruce Boudreau but decided to hire Glen Gulutzan.
The Flames were looking for a coach with NHL experience who could handle a young team. According to ESPN, Flames General Manager Brad Treliving said, “I think that’s a real asset to Glen as we talk about young players, but I don’t separate it by age. I think he can connect with all types of players.” Gulutzan is an interesting choice. He has been an NHL head coach. He led the Dallas Stars from 2011 to 2013, posting a record of 64-57-9 but the Stars didn’t make the playoffs.
Gulutzan has a tough task in turning the Flames into a winning hockey team. Their special teams were dreadful last year. On the power play they only scored on 17% of the time when they had the man advantage. When they were on the power play they never set it up. If they tried to set up the power play, the other team would shoot the puck to the other end. Their power play kill was the worst in the league as they killed off the penalties they took only 75.5% of the time. Opponents would spend time in their zone and score. They couldn’t seem to get the puck out of their end. Gulutzan will need to work with the team on those areas.
Gulutzan has talent to work with. The Flames have young forwards in Johnny Gaudreau and Sean Monahan. Both of these players can score and set up teammates. They need do it more this upcoming season. On defense, T.J. Brodie and Mark Giordano must to improve their game. They can check but they can’t let the opponents have easy shot attempts or breakaways.
The Flames seem to be in good hands with Gulutzan. It will take a few seasons for them to be back in the playoffs. They have to be patient and give him two to three years to rebuild the team, learn his system, and become a regular in the NHL Playoffs again.
What do you think of the Calgary Flames hiring Glen Gulutzan?
Leave a Reply