I agree AS, luck goes both ways, “good luck” & being “unlucky”. The problem is, more times than not when the Flames win I hear the coach say, “yeah we’re finally getting some bounces go our way”. When we lose it’s “yeah we played well, but we had some unlucky bounces”.
This is my primary issue with Gulutzan in a nutshell. His system is largely based on 5 on 5 play, having his guys out chance other teams. While in “theory” this sounds good, looking at his demeanour and how he handles himself, I feel like he is to hands off. He always refers to the “system” and having the players do their part, and correcting the system when things are not going right. And when the results are not there, the first area to assess is 5 on 5 chances which has made the PP an easy cop out because it’s not producing. The most critical of his team I’ve really heard Gully be is to say that guys need to go to the dirty areas more. While I fully admit the PP is horrendous, the fact remains on this recent stretch of losses the reason we’ve lost those games is due to a lack of mental fortitude and is this my major area of concern with this group and how they are playing.
Imagine if Darryl Sutter threw his stick, would his players be laughing about it after practice? I don’t have a problem with Gully’s system or style of play really, but he’s not getting the most out of his players and I don’t think anyone can disagree with that statement. This team doesn’t step on anyone’s throat, no one is scared to come into the Saddledome and play us, and tactically some of his coaching decisions have been questionable; such as player usage and a lack of willingness to adapt his system to fit players strengths. Why is it that our defence isn’t more involved in the offence, why is Brouwer just now playing like an NHL player when a coach like Hitch said he is the top player in the slot in the entire NHL. And I also think we should be getting more production out of Bennett, Tkachuk, Brouwer, Frolik and pretty much our entire defence.
Ultimately I want a coach that will push this teams buttons more to get results we are capable of and not rely so much on luck, chances, and long term probability of success. I get that sports today is kind of trending in that direction, but it is of my opinion that a head coach first and foremost needs to be a good motivator. Most systems can lead to success as long as everyone is buying in.