One week and three games into their November 2009 schedule, the Calgary Flames have radically improved their statistics, responding well to coaching criticism. The team took on the New York Rangers at the Pengrowth Saddledome Saturday night, skating away with a 3-1 win, Calgary's third straight victory.
Following a pair of at-home losses to end October, the Calgary Flames had a few days off before hitting the road for a tough back-to-back set in Dallas and St Louis, trailed closely with a return flight home to meet the New York Rangers.
Head coach Brent Sutter took full advantage of the preceding lull, using it to shake up his players.
The team’s so-called "time off" featured physically intensive practice, group lectures, and a few one-on-one chats for those deemed in need of a prod. An already tough week made tougher, Sutter’s discipline was a necessary action, intended to provoke an even more necessary reaction.
So far, it’s worked.
Rather than looking tired or belligerent under pressure, the Flames chose to benefit from their coach’s hard but well-meaning words ...
Read Full Article at Bleacher Report - NHL
Article written by M MacDonald Hall
Calgary Flames NHL Hockey: Pieces Fall into Place, New Pattern Emerges
November 8th, 2009 by M MacDonald Hall Leave a reply »
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