Bob Hartley, Your Calgary Flames Head Coach For a While

Calgary Flames head coach Bob Hartley for multiyear to come! Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports

Your Calgary Flames showed the world today how to distract the media from a 6 game losing streak.  The Flames announced the “multiyear contract extension” for Bob Hartley to remain as our Head Coach.  I’m yet to read anywhere if “multiyear” means 3 or 33 but I’m guessing more than 2.  I suppose more than serving as just a distraction, the timing of Coach Hartley’s contract extension is a loud and clear message to the players in the Flames locker room that it’s his way or the highway.

I asked our Flame For Thought Twitter family for their thoughts, here are the first two responses:

I’m new to this Calgary Flames thing, so my opinion of Coach Bob Hartley is limited.

I have complimented Hartley on his benching of Johnny Gaudreau back in October that effectively saved Gaudreau’s season.  I have complimented Hartley on how he has handled his goaltending decisions to date.  I have complimented Hartley on instilling in his players a never say quit attitude.

l have joined in a few times with the Twitter family in mocking Hartley when he puts his lines into a blender that is in overdrive.  I have scratched my head over a few his decisions that are “in his power“, mainly the whole Sven Baertschi thing.  I say “in his power” because having Brandon Bollig AND Brian McGrattan on his roster is a decision made above him.

From the Flames website story:

"“I am thrilled,” said Hartley, who coached the Colorado Avalanche to the 2001 Stanley Cup. “I said a couple of years ago that I felt this was the biggest challenge of my career and I still believe it. I love the direction that this organization has taken."

Well coach, you have “multiyear” to accomplish conquering your biggest challenge.