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Calgary Flames: Ranking the top 5 coaches in team history

By Nathan Bannerman

LAS VEGAS, NV - JUNE 24: Head coach Bob Hartley of the Calgary Flames poses in the press room after winning the Jack Adams Award at the 2015 NHL Awards at MGM Grand Garden Arena on June 24, 2015 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV - JUNE 24: Head coach Bob Hartley of the Calgary Flames poses in the press room after winning the Jack Adams Award at the 2015 NHL Awards at MGM Grand Garden Arena on June 24, 2015 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /
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Calgary Flames, Bob Johnson
1986-87: Calgary Flames coach Bob Johnson during a Flames game versus the Los Angeles Kings at the Forum in Inglewood, California. Mandatory Credit: Rick Stewart/Allsport /

No. 3: Bob Johnson: “It’s a great day for hockey.”

If you were to take a stroll in the Scotiabank Saddledome, you’ll see lots of memories from the 1989 Stanley Cup winning team. You’d also notice nods to the 1988 Winter Olympics which was held in Calgary. But you’d also see a spot for ‘Badger’ Bob Johnson.

Bob Johnson did everything but win a Stanley Cup with the Flames. He took them to three-straight 40+ win seasons, the NHL Division Semi-Finals or better every year, and in 1986 he took the team to their first Stanley Cup finals appearance where they lost to the powerful Montreal Canadians.

Johnson did get his coveted ring when he coached the Pittsburgh Penguins with forward Mario Lemieux.

‘Badger’ Bob was known for his catchphrase “It’s a great day for hockey.” Everyday he arrived at his office in the Saddledome he was dressed practically like a fan, according to his assistant Bob Murdoch.

"“I remember he’d come into the coaches room in the morning and go: ‘Great day for hockey! These people here in Calgary, they’re unbelievable. They recognize you and they want to talk hockey.’ “Well, you took a step back from Bob. He had a Flames’ cap on. A Flames’ jacket on. Flames’ pants on. Flames running shoes on. “He was a walking billboard for the Calgary Flames. And he was so pleased people would recognize him. Well, he practically had a string of neon lights across his body that blinked CALGARY FLAMES on and off. “You couldn’t help BUT recognize him.” -by George Johnson"

Johnson passed away in 1991, but his legacy still lives on within the Calgary Flames and Pittsburgh Penguins organizations, as well as within the NHL.

Calgary Flames, Darryl Sutter
Mar 12, 2022; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Calgary Flames head coach Darryl Sutter during interview after the game against the Detroit Red Wings at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 2: Darryl Sutter brings his “call it as it is” demeanour to second on the top five list.

He doesn’t smile often but when he does he’s either talking about his son Chris, or telling a joke to the media. Darryl Sutter is one of the best coaches the Flames organization has ever seen behind the bench and behind the mic.

Sutter currently sits 31 wins behind Johnson with 162. He’ll obviously creep closer as the 2021-2022 season draws to a close, but he’ll have a decent chance to make history next year.

This is his second tenure with the Flames. His first go around was quite successful leading a 2004 squad with two stars and a bunch of underdogs to game seven of the Stanley Cup Final. It was then the Flames lost to the Tampa Bay Lightning, but not without some controversy.

Game six in Calgary saw Calgary up 3-2 in the series. Forward Martin Gelinas thought to have scored which would’ve set the Flames up to win their second cup in team history. Unfortunately, the technology back then wasn’t as advanced as it is now so there was no whistle and no video replay.

Sutter eventually won two Stanley Cups with the LA Kings.

When the Flames decided to bring him back there was a lot of conversation about his coaching style and if it would mesh well with this group of players.

As it turns out, he’s the coach they needed all along. This was a team who needed a fire lit under them. Sure, they had success with former head coach Bill Peters, but Sutter brings a different vibe. A “the jobs not finished until the cup is raised over your head” vibe.

He’s been able to get the most out of this edition of the Flames. Forwards Johnny Gaudreau (30), Matthew Tkachuk (32), Elias Lindolm (34), and Andrew Mangiapanie (30)have eclipsed the 30 goal mark. This is the first time since 1991 the Flames have four 30 goal scorers.

Depening on how this season turns out, Sutter could immediately be number one on the list. But until then, he’ll have to settle for second.

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