I am not generally an alarmist. As a lifelong Calgary Flames fan, I have rarely thought that drastic action was required whenever the team hit a slump. And, in 37 years, there have been plenty of slumps. Even at the beginning of last year, as the team struggled while learning the system implemented by Head Coach Glen Gulutzan, I was among the coolest of heads that ultimately prevailed.
I’m not sure I can say that now.
The team is now past the first third of the season. And, as up-and-down as they have been, there remains one constant: poor defensive play.