GG’s first stint with the Stars - his first time in the NHL in any role, as a player or coach - was a virtual lifetime ago and the circumstances at the time were so odd that those two years are 100% irrelevant today. Robert Tiffin’s recent deep dive into this topic was spot-on!
Honestly, I think GG may be the right coach at the right time to take this on. He’s seen first-hand what has gone wrong for the Stars in the last two WC Finals, as the Oilers took control of both series to move on to the SC Final both times. He knows what it’s like to coach different types of players, from literally the best in the world to average, borderline roster players. He’s seen what it takes to get a team from outside the playoffs eventually all the way to the Cup Final.
Hey, ultimately, every head coach is hired to eventually be fired. It’s the nature of the beast. There are no guarantees with any coach. The Stars’ longest tenured head coach since 2009 is Lindy Ruff at a mere four years. Time will tell if GG can get the Stars to the promised land. Did anyone really think “retread” Paul Maurice would get the Panthers over the top after so many years in the NHL? Unlikely. But he did. We’ll see if GG can get the Stars over the top. He’s worth a shot!
Gulutzan doesn't feel like a retread at all, to me. He has 2 years experience as a head coach, and I'd imagine he's a very different coach now than he was then. I'm cautiously optimistic about him, but also ready for a tire fire. If Nill can shore up the right-side D, then really we just need a coach that let's the players play to their strengths. If not, then yeah, we need someone really creative. Either way, we'll see soon enough how Gulutzan does
Mark, I agree. While he is in his early 50s, retread to me implies a coach that’s not really growing and evolving with the game. I think Glen has done a nice job of adapting since his last stint with the Stars over a decade ago. I think he’ll have the respect of the older crew and can guide the young studs to the next level and (hopefully) Lord Stanley’s Cup!
heh, right. Those were 2 rather forgettable years, both for Calgary and Gulutzan. Still, 4 years as a head coach, the last stint being a decade ago. Very different from "retreads" like Laviolette, Gallant, or whoever else is out there whose general tactics were far more effective a decade ago.
So when does a coach become a "retread"? After three head coaching jobs? Four? And should a "retread" have had at least one playoff trip in four seasons to be considered for another job? I trust Jim Nill, but he's not infallible. I hope for the best next season, but I fear for the worst.
When I hear retread, I think of a coach who hasn't adapted with the ever evolving culture in the NHL; coaches who are approaching the game and its players the same way they did in 2010. And ya know, we got outcoached by EDM 2 years in a row. If ya can't beat 'em, poach their assistant, isn't the worst strategy. But I def hear you. Gulutzan is neither the safe nor sexy option. Here's to hoping Nill is as smart as his trophy case suggests!
GG’s first stint with the Stars - his first time in the NHL in any role, as a player or coach - was a virtual lifetime ago and the circumstances at the time were so odd that those two years are 100% irrelevant today. Robert Tiffin’s recent deep dive into this topic was spot-on!
Honestly, I think GG may be the right coach at the right time to take this on. He’s seen first-hand what has gone wrong for the Stars in the last two WC Finals, as the Oilers took control of both series to move on to the SC Final both times. He knows what it’s like to coach different types of players, from literally the best in the world to average, borderline roster players. He’s seen what it takes to get a team from outside the playoffs eventually all the way to the Cup Final.
Hey, ultimately, every head coach is hired to eventually be fired. It’s the nature of the beast. There are no guarantees with any coach. The Stars’ longest tenured head coach since 2009 is Lindy Ruff at a mere four years. Time will tell if GG can get the Stars to the promised land. Did anyone really think “retread” Paul Maurice would get the Panthers over the top after so many years in the NHL? Unlikely. But he did. We’ll see if GG can get the Stars over the top. He’s worth a shot!
Like the hire. What happened 12+ years ago is irrelevant IMO. We'll see.
I hope you're right, but I think it's a terrible hire.
Gulutzan doesn't feel like a retread at all, to me. He has 2 years experience as a head coach, and I'd imagine he's a very different coach now than he was then. I'm cautiously optimistic about him, but also ready for a tire fire. If Nill can shore up the right-side D, then really we just need a coach that let's the players play to their strengths. If not, then yeah, we need someone really creative. Either way, we'll see soon enough how Gulutzan does
Mark, I agree. While he is in his early 50s, retread to me implies a coach that’s not really growing and evolving with the game. I think Glen has done a nice job of adapting since his last stint with the Stars over a decade ago. I think he’ll have the respect of the older crew and can guide the young studs to the next level and (hopefully) Lord Stanley’s Cup!
Two unsuccessful years as head coach in Calgary, too. Let's not forget that.
heh, right. Those were 2 rather forgettable years, both for Calgary and Gulutzan. Still, 4 years as a head coach, the last stint being a decade ago. Very different from "retreads" like Laviolette, Gallant, or whoever else is out there whose general tactics were far more effective a decade ago.
So when does a coach become a "retread"? After three head coaching jobs? Four? And should a "retread" have had at least one playoff trip in four seasons to be considered for another job? I trust Jim Nill, but he's not infallible. I hope for the best next season, but I fear for the worst.
When I hear retread, I think of a coach who hasn't adapted with the ever evolving culture in the NHL; coaches who are approaching the game and its players the same way they did in 2010. And ya know, we got outcoached by EDM 2 years in a row. If ya can't beat 'em, poach their assistant, isn't the worst strategy. But I def hear you. Gulutzan is neither the safe nor sexy option. Here's to hoping Nill is as smart as his trophy case suggests!