It may seem odd to extend the contract of a head coach in the midst of an eight game losing streak but that is exactly what the Calgary Flames did this month, as Bob Hartley got a well-deserved multi-year deal.
The Flames have proven to be one of the toughest “outs” in the NHL and force opponents to earn every point that they get. It has been Calgary’s consistent fight and determination that convinced management that Hartley was the right man to continue their build out with as coach. The Flames grit and character has been a stark contrast to their Alberta provincial rival Edmonton Oilers who are floundering as the worst team in the NHL.
A Record of Success
Hartley is best known for leading the Colorado Avalanche to the Stanley Cup and four consecutive Conference Final berths. He later went on to lead the Atlanta Thrashers to their only playoff appearance in team history. After winning a Swiss A League championship with the ZSC Lions, Hartley returned to the NHL and Flames for the 2013 shortened season. While the outmanned Flames have not had the firepower to be a bona fide contender they have displayed a tenacity that has caught unsuspecting teams with superior talent off guard time and again.
Truculence
Bombastic Calgary Flames President Brian Burke’s favorite word is “truculent” and that is a perfect description of Calgary’s playing style under Hartley. Burke took over his duties a season after Hartley was hired and in most cases the coach gets the boot upon the arrival of a new management team. But Hartley’s work commanded instant respect from Burke, who was won over with the “truculence” of Hartley’s team.
Blue Line Talent Ignited
It’s not as if Calgary is totally devoid of talent. Defenseman Kris Russell is a great example of a player that has developed into a key asset under Harley. Russell has been paired with Dennis Wideman on the blue line and has been a solid playmaker with 15 assists and the willingness to jump into the rush on offense. Wideman has flourished with the arrangement as he has 10 goals and 11 assists. The underrated Calgary defense is led by captain Mark Giordano who had 10 goals, 24 assists, and a +15.
The acquisition of Jonas Hiller has given the Flames credibility in goal which was sorely lacking in Hartley’s first two seasons behind the bench. Hiller had a save percentage of .915 and a solid 2.40 goals against average.
Defying the New Math Crowd
The Corsi Fenwick fancy stats crowd has long derided Calgary and was looking pretty brainy during the Flames recent skid. But one mathematical formula that the new math crowd is yet to develop is for heart and soul. The Calgary Flames under Hartley epitomize an old school character that has won over fans and has them just two points out of a playoff spot.
