So..tonight the Calgary flames played the St.Louis Blues
On home ice. A team that although getting better this
Season as of late, compared to last season thanks to a coaching
Change, Calgary has dominated since 2004.
And though I realize all luck has to change sooner or later,
‘Cause life is a series of ever changing moments where nothing
Stays the same. Tonights wasn’t one of luck changing,
Perhaps playing good and calls just not going your way, or
Not being able to beat the goaltender.
It was a game that was frustrating for fans to watch, because
Not too long ago this same team was known for it’s exceptionally
Stingy Defense.
Sure.. they didn’t score allot at the time, but they could hold
Onto a one goal lead for an entire 60 min if they had too.
Clearing the puck wasn’t a problem, and turnover’s in their
Own end were few and far between.
In the end, it boils down to this..
That was the team that Darryl Sutter coached.
That was the team he built and coached to be defensively
Strong. One that went to the Stanley cup finals hardly able to score a goal at times,
But I’d be damned if they let one in either.
They won the Western Conference and the Division Title that way.
So what happened you ask?
Sure, there have been roster changes, there was each year
Up till now, so that’s nothing out of the ordinary. Sutter
Was still able to get the team to click somehow.
Besides, the changes have made for a better team, or at least..
Players that should provide a better team.
You can’t even say they don’t click, because they do.
When it comes to Defense..Regehr and Stuart have clicked
Very well, and so have Phaneuf and Hamrlik. Zyuzin has
Been playing a much stronger game as of late, etc..etc..
Our forcheck has improved IMMENSELY compared to the previous
Two seasons. Jarome on his way to 40 goals, Juice with 30,
Langkow on his way to 30,Tanguay and Lombardi sitting on the
Verge of 20 goals, and Dion Phaneuf just 3 away from
His second 20 goal season.
Calgary won the game in a shootout, Kippers second consecutive
Shootout win, and Iginla scored the game winning goal.
But they gave up a two goal lead in the third period…
Allowing a total of 4 goals in.
Their inability at times to clear the puck out of their own end
Comes back to haunt them, far too many times.
They have the defensive players, of that I have no doubt..
But they lack defensive coaching, and defensive identity.
I honestly have no doubt, that Calgary has a team now
That could win the Stanley Cup, I believe in our forcheck,
I believe in our Defense…
I believe in our team.
The one thing though that wreaks of uncertainty is Darryl’s
Decision to step down as head coach this year, and let Jim
Playfair take over that job.
It’s not that I don’t think Jim has done a good job, and it’s not
That I don’t think he’ll be a great coach.
I’m just not sure it was a wise decision to do it THIS year, or
Even next, when Darryl’s goal and hope, is for a cup win
In this season or next.
I can’t help but think inexperience has at times played a part
In the outcome of games, and ultimately…when it comes down
To the overall identity of a team, that’s something a coach
Instills in a team, kind of like his fingerprint on them if
You will and that’s something Calgary still seems to lack
This season.
