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Struggling Flames face culture shift

Scott Cruickshank, Calgary Herald, November 23, 2011

For not the first time, Brent Sutter led reporters through his career arc.

No doubt, he’s proud of having walked the team-first walk.

And, right now, there’s an urgent need to get the message out — loud and clear — to his skaters.

“I went from the second line to the first line to the second to the third, and I finished my career as a fourth-line player,” the Calgary Flames coach said after Tuesday afternoon’s practice at Joe Louis Arena. “But I was able to play 18 years and I had some success. I went to the Stanley Cup finals four times, won it twice — and my role was different every one of those times. It always what’s best for the environment of the hockey club.

“As you get older, the sooner you can accept change in your game, the better off you are. You have to sacrifice a little bit for the betterment of the team.”

Take Olli Jokinen, who, for years, served as the go-to forward of the Florida Panthers. Now, centring the Flames’ second unit, he’s a different cat.

“A perfect example,” said Sutter.

Another illustration? Also quite handy?

Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg of the Detroit Red Wings, tonight’s opposition.

“Datsyuk is a Selke Trophy candidate almost every year, but he’s one of the most skilled guys in the National Hockey League,” said Sutter. “These guys are committed to that team game. When you look at . . . why teams are successful year after year after year, it’s because everyone’s bought in. I don’t know if you guys all understand that? But it’s so important for success.”

Reporters get it. But do all of his players?

Notice Jarome Iginla’s reaction when asked about transformations — specifically, Steve Yzerman’s from point-producer to two-way fixture.

The captain, no fool, caught the drift of the question and did not dig it.

Not one bit.

“I don’t think that’s a fair comparison,” said Iginla, who quickly pointed out that the Wings back in the day were high-flying, with the likes of Sergei Fedorov, Brett Hull, Luc Robitaille, Brendan Shanahan. “So when (Yzerman) switched to that role . . . that’s what the team needed.”

The kicker?

“If I turned into a pure defensive player, I don’t think you’re going to say that that’s exactly what our team needs.”

Oh.

Player and coach may be reading from the same book. But the same page? Not exactly.

Neither is getting what he wants. Neither can be happy. Lose-lose so far.

Because if Iginla is bent on total offence, it’s not evident — judging by the points (nine).

Because if Sutter wants three-zone toil from Iginla, that’s hardly apparent — judging by the rating (minus-12).

“I do know that you have to be good on both sides of it, but I still think that our team will need some offensive production,” said Iginla, 34. “As far as my game, this has been a tough stretch. But I’m going to remain positive. I don’t think it’s helpful. . . to feel sorry for myself or get too frustrated or get negative.”

Even if his boss never names names, Iginla, slumping grandly, is finding himself under an increasingly warm spotlight.

This, in many ways, is expected.

“Nothing new, is it?” said Brendan Morrison. “It was the same way last year, right? That’s the way it always has been in sports. That’s the way it will always be in sports. If your team is not playing up to its capabilities, the first guy they look to is your best player, your star players.

“If we were a team that had a different record — say, we had a winning record right now — it would be swept under the rug. It wouldn’t matter. But because we’re not winning games and we are under .500, it comes to the forefront. That’s just the way it is.

“He’s a grown man. He’s been through it before.”

Dean
M.Ed (Coaching)
Ch.P.C. (Chartered Professional Coach)
Game Intelligence Training
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