Flames coach Darryl Sutter shrugs off Jakob Pelletier’s NHL debut in newest press convention gem

Loads of Calgary Flames followers had been fascinated to witness the NHL debut of intriguing ahead prospect Jakob Pelletier on Saturday. If Flames coach Darryl Sutter shares any of that pleasure, he has a humorous manner of displaying it.

Following the Flames’ 6-3 win in opposition to the Tampa Bay Lightning, Sutter was requested about Pelletier’s debut. In a second which will enrage or entertain (relying on whom you ask), Sutter performed coy, asking for Pelletier’s jersey quantity. Sutter then learn off the rookie’s easy counting stats, resembling one shot on objective, and 6:43 time on ice.

One other Darryl Sutter press convention gem

When the Flames satisfied Sutter to jump off his tractor and set the crew on a steadier path, many readied for the return of quirky press conferences. Whereas Sutter doesn’t match the cranky vitality of John Tortorella, he undoubtedly has his moments of humour and grumpiness.

Memorably, Sutter hoped that Johnny Gaudreau would have “extra vitality” in his five hundredth profession NHL recreation than he did in his 499th.

Relying on the way you learn between the traces, Sutter appeared to fireside some parting photographs after Gaudreau and Matthew Tkachuk left city. No less than, that’s the way it felt when Sutter provided rave reviews of Jonathan Huberdeau’s passing skills or when the 64-year-old coach made a cold comparison between Tkachuk and Tyler Toffoli.

In a sport that always gasps for persona and honesty, it may be refreshing and humorous, particularly when some classic bathroom humour is involved.

Some Flames followers, media not so amused by Sutter’s Pelletier feedback

Granted, it certain looks as if these barbs get harsher once they’re directed towards younger gamers. Some could view all of it as being counterproductive.

Postmedia’s Wes Gilbertson considered Sutter’s strategy to Pelletier’s debut as “disrespectful.”

Darren Haynes went so far as to explain Sutter’s actions as “immature.”

Sportsnet’s Eric Francis captured a few of the temper by noting Sutter didn’t seem to share the city’s excitement for Pelletier.

Pondering Pelletier’s potential

Perhaps the perfect vitality is someplace between Sutter’s sarcasm and probably the most breathless expectations about Pelletier, who was the twenty sixth decide of the 2019 NHL Draft and is taken into account one of their top prospects.

May Pelletier be the “solution to the Calgary Flames’ top-six issues?” That’s most likely asking an excessive amount of from a 21-year-old who clearly nonetheless must earn his coach’s belief.

Maybe he may give the Flames’ depth a lift, in methods each refined and plain. After producing nearly a degree per recreation within the AHL final season (62 factors in 66 video games), Pelletier produced 15 targets and 34 factors in 31 video games this yr earlier than being referred to as up.

As restricted as his ice time was in Saturday’s debut, Pelletier managed to make a positive impact. Notice, as an illustration, that the Flames generated three high-danger probabilities when Pelletier was on the ice, and didn’t quit any in their very own finish. Contemplating how defensive-minded Sutter may be, that’s a pleasant technique to begin thawing out a coach’s chilly coronary heart.

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