When Daryl was behind the bench they listened to him like he was god. Playfair and Keenen wern't the answer. he needs to get back behind the bench and hire an assistant to help with the GM duties. HNIC radio said today they didn't feel he'll hire his brother to coach. Maybe if he hired him to help with the GM duties? It's too bad, they played so well under Daryl.
From the Calgary Sun...
At least one Flames player openly agrees with Sutter's decision.
Alternate captain Robyn Regehr says firing Keenan -- who will still have to be paid for the final season remaining on his three-year agreement with the Flames -- was the right move.
"I think it's a very good thing for the team," said Regehr.
"I think we will become a better team with this decision made. It's just my feeling."
Sutter guided the Flames to the Stanley Cup final in 2004. Since then, they've failed to get past the opening round of the post-season. Three head coaches have tried -- Sutter, Jim Playfair and Keenan.
"Probably the biggest issue we're dealing with right now is philosophies," said Regehr.
"(Keenan's) a coach who had most of his success in the '80s when the strategy was so much different.
"I think a lot of coaches from that time, the game has sort of moved past them.
"I think that was holding us back as a team."
Damn Robyn, how do you really feel?
At least one Flames player openly agrees with Sutter's decision.
Alternate captain Robyn Regehr says firing Keenan -- who will still have to be paid for the final season remaining on his three-year agreement with the Flames -- was the right move.
"I think it's a very good thing for the team," said Regehr.
"I think we will become a better team with this decision made. It's just my feeling."
Sutter guided the Flames to the Stanley Cup final in 2004. Since then, they've failed to get past the opening round of the post-season. Three head coaches have tried -- Sutter, Jim Playfair and Keenan.
"Probably the biggest issue we're dealing with right now is philosophies," said Regehr.
"(Keenan's) a coach who had most of his success in the '80s when the strategy was so much different.
"I think a lot of coaches from that time, the game has sort of moved past them.
"I think that was holding us back as a team."
Damn Robyn, how do you really feel?
I listened to the radio for half an hour yesterday and the two guys talking acted as if the only 2 options the flames have is to either move Darryl down or give Jim Playfair another shot.
I dont understand either decision I hope they hire from outside and try something different (Jacque Lamaire???)
All of my friends that I saw last night think that they are making room for Brent Sutter, but I dont understand how a coach could leave (assuming he wanted too) while under contract.
I dont understand either decision I hope they hire from outside and try something different (Jacque Lamaire???)
All of my friends that I saw last night think that they are making room for Brent Sutter, but I dont understand how a coach could leave (assuming he wanted too) while under contract.
Being from Calgary, what are your thoughts about Sutter returning behind the bench. I think he was a fantastic motivator.
From Wikipedia:
On July 12, 2006, Sutter made the choice to step down as the Calgary Flames head coach. He has said that he found it difficult to handle the duties of both jobs of head coach and GM of the Flames. Sutter compiled a 107–73–26 record in two-plus seasons behind the Calgary bench, joining the Flames after head coaching stints in Chicago and San Jose. The new head coach of the Flames was Jim Playfair. After a first round loss to the Red Wings in 06/07, however, Sutter hired Mike Keenan to be the new coach, with Playfair assuming a new position as Associate Coach.
Calgary has always been my favorite Canadian team over the years and I hope they get things together soon.
Personally I dont think that Darryl should coach again, but that would put me in the minority around town. Most fans in Calgary think that if Sutter coached again we can just stamp out ticket back to the cup finals. I think people choose to forget that in 06 Sutter was the coach when we lost to the Ducks in the first round after winning the division. I think that Sutter likes that most people consider him a god and if he coachs and fails people wouldnt think that anymore.
Also, I think hiring an assitant to help manage the team so that he can focus on coaching would be like giving himself a demotion. He is somewhat of a control freak, and I would be shocked if let someone else take over some of his GM duties. That is why he was hired as a coach and GM in the first place. He has to have full control, look at his two hires, Playfair and Keenan, they were both his puppets, and I doubt that Playfair in particular ever had control of the team.
The only scenario where I could see Sutter coaching, would be if they fire another coach part way through this season (ala Lou Amirillo in NJ a couple of years ago). Otherwise he would have to pay 3 head coachs at once which would look ridiculous.
I would like to see a new head coach come in, and fire all of Darryl's assisitants, and bring in his own. And give the team a new direction. Preferably a defensive direction, make Kipper into a vezina candidate again, instead of leaving him out to dry like we did for the last 2 years.
Also, I think hiring an assitant to help manage the team so that he can focus on coaching would be like giving himself a demotion. He is somewhat of a control freak, and I would be shocked if let someone else take over some of his GM duties. That is why he was hired as a coach and GM in the first place. He has to have full control, look at his two hires, Playfair and Keenan, they were both his puppets, and I doubt that Playfair in particular ever had control of the team.
The only scenario where I could see Sutter coaching, would be if they fire another coach part way through this season (ala Lou Amirillo in NJ a couple of years ago). Otherwise he would have to pay 3 head coachs at once which would look ridiculous.
I would like to see a new head coach come in, and fire all of Darryl's assisitants, and bring in his own. And give the team a new direction. Preferably a defensive direction, make Kipper into a vezina candidate again, instead of leaving him out to dry like we did for the last 2 years.
Interesting take. You come across as a knowledgeable Flame follower. Thank you for the first hand take. I've heard Jacque Lemaire's name brought up. From what you've said he sounds like he may be a good fit. One of the XM radio programs I listened to this week, one of the guys said he would never bring in Brent cause he would never want to fire his brother. I thought that made some sence. I don't believe Lemaire did a very good job in Minnesota but with some scoring tools they have in place now.....I think that just may be a better fit than in Minny anyways.
I don't nessessarly agree that Sutter was the problem more than keenan himself. Sutter pulls the punches but would this team even had Burtuzzi or Jokinen on the team if it wasn't for Iron Mike. The game just passed him by.
But I agree something went really crazy after that trade. An internal problem. Jokinen looked so good after the initial trade. I was even at the Flames/Wings game where they came back from 3 down I think it was, late, and pulled it out in OT with Jokinen scoring his 3rd of the game in the shoot out. I dont know first hand how important Lombardi was to the team. But along with the injuries, that team just quit meshing, and at the worst time. Had to be blamed on the curse of Iron Mike. I remember well how that team responded to Sutter when he took them to the finals. They listened and responded the same way NJ did whenever Lou got behind the bench when he had to. They respected him and would walk thru walls for him.
Bad trades and signings from Sutter in the past five years has ruined this team. We had the best D in the league back in 2004, and now one of the worst and most expensive. Robyn Regehr is the ONLY good player on the blue line we have. Phaneuf has become pathetic.
I don't know what we'll do for a coach, but it won't make a difference. This team has bad players tied up to long term deals and won't be able to get out of the situation for years to come.
I don't know what we'll do for a coach, but it won't make a difference. This team has bad players tied up to long term deals and won't be able to get out of the situation for years to come.
