|
Calgary Flames to hire Bill Peters as head coach |
|
|
|
|
|
Follow me on Twitter @ToddCordell
Today the Calgary Flames will announce the hiring of Bill Peters as the team's new head coach.
Peters was linked to the Flames prior to Glen Gulutzan even being relieved of his duties so it's no surprise he's Brad Treliving's choice.
As I've hammered home countless times over the last week or so, Peters' teams have generally been very good at 5v5 but goaltending has held them back.
Say what you want about Mike Smith, but what he provided the Flames this past season was much better than any contributions Peters has ever had from his starting goaltender.
While goaltending was the main problem for Peters in Carolina, it wasn't the only one. Low shooting percentages also played a part in his undoing. The Hurricanes weren't exactly overflowing with finishers – there was skill, but not necessarily shooting talent – and, as currently constructed, that's a bit of an issue in Calgary as well.
If the Flames had simply cashed in on a few more of the absurd amount of chances they generated, Gulutzan would still have a job. That's why some would have been content giving Gulutzan another year to work with (hopefully) a bit more talent up front. I completely get that. I would have been too.
I think Treliving felt he had to make a change with the way things ended – and how the team fell apart whenever something went wrong. It's tough to argue against it.
If they were set on replacing Gulutzan, Peters seems like a fine alternative given his 5v5 success and history with Treliving.
I'm looking forward to hearing what Peters has to say in this afternoon's press conference. I expect I'll have some thoughts on notable quotes tomorrow.
Recent posts:
What about Bill Peters?
The Flames need a new backup goaltender
Trading T.J. Brodie could make sense for the Flames
Calgary Flames 2017-18 season awards
Setting the table for the 2018 off-season
On the possibility of trading into the 1st round
Calgary Flames Blogger • 
Join the Discussion:
»