Introduction to Glen Gulutzan
Glen Gulutzan made his mark in the NHL by coaching the Edmonton Oilers’ power play for the last seven seasons. Before Gulutzan arrived in Edmonton, the Oilers had the worst power play in the league, connecting just 14.8% of the time in the 2017-18 season. That was with both Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid on the roster. But in the seven years that Gulutzan was in charge, the Oilers power play had a 26.8% conversion rate — a league best.
Changes as the Stars’ Head Coach
Of the changes he’ll make now taking over as the Stars’ head coach, his special teams adjustments may be among the most intriguing. In the Stars’ 3-2 preseason overtime win over the Minnesota Wild on Tuesday night at American Airlines Center, the system was in action with most of its key players for the first time.
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First Impressions
“My first impression was, boy, they can snap it around,” Gulutzan said postgame. “We were missing a couple of pieces. Those aren’t the units in their complete sets. But you can see the beginning of it. I think we’re going to be in a good spot there — two units, guys that can really move it around.”
Photos from the Preseason Game
Smile, hockey is back! Photos from Stars’ preseason game against the Minnesota Wild
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Power Play Performance
The Stars went 0-for-3 with four shots on goal on the power play. His top unit included Jason Robertson, Mikko Rantanen, Roope Hintz and Kole Lind (in place of Wyatt Johnston), while his second unit had Jamie Benn, Tyler Seguin, Matt Duchene and Rantanen (in place of Mavrik Bourque). Thomas Harley and Miro Heiskanen each took turns quarterbacking the top unit.
Special Teams Adjustments
Gulutzan delegated most of the power play responsibilities to Neil Graham, the new Stars assistant who previously served as head coach of the Texas Stars. But given his expertise, it’s expected that Gulutzan will weigh in with some of his own preferences. “It’s something building,” Robertson said. “Grammer and Gully are really promoting playing hockey out there.”
Future Plans
After practice Monday, Gulutzan hinted at what some of those preferences may be, particularly how he plans to use both Harley and Heiskanen on the top unit at different times, as seen Tuesday night. Gulutzan said in an 82-game season, he never wants his power play to get stagnant so he hopes to mix up personnel at times.
Chances on the Man-Advantage
The Stars had a handful of decent chances on the man-advantage Tuesday. Benn hit a post on their second try. Seguin and Harley had a chance on the rush in the third. But Graham and Gulutzan still have some work to do to get their special teams season-ready. Their third power play try was far better than their first two.
Early but Hopeful
After just two days of true power play work, it’s still early. But those within the locker room are hopeful some new voices leading the power play — and allowing Dallas’ talent some freedom — can be a recipe for success. “You practice lots of things in the offseason. You don’t practice power play,” Seguin said postgame. “[Monday] was day one of a power play movement. But Graham and Gully have been great so far with us understanding what they want so far and also, at times, letting the skill take over. There’s a lot of talented guys playing hockey.”
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Conclusion
Glen Gulutzan’s experience and expertise in coaching power plays will be a significant asset to the Stars. With his new role as the team’s head coach, he will have the opportunity to implement his strategies and make adjustments to the special teams. The Stars’ performance in the preseason game against the Minnesota Wild showed promise, and with continued practice and fine-tuning, they may become a formidable team in the league.
FAQs
Q: Who is Glen Gulutzan, and what is his experience in the NHL?
A: Glen Gulutzan is a former coach of the Edmonton Oilers’ power play and has recently taken over as the head coach of the Dallas Stars. He has seven years of experience coaching power plays in the NHL.
Q: What was the Oilers’ power play conversion rate under Gulutzan’s coaching?
A: The Oilers’ power play had a 26.8% conversion rate under Gulutzan’s coaching, which is a league best.
Q: How did the Stars perform on the power play in their preseason game against the Minnesota Wild?
A: The Stars went 0-for-3 with four shots on goal on the power play, but showed promise with their new system and personnel.
Q: Who are the key players on the Stars’ power play units?
A: The Stars’ top unit includes Jason Robertson, Mikko Rantanen, Roope Hintz, and Kole Lind, while their second unit has Jamie Benn, Tyler Seguin, Matt Duchene, and Rantanen.
Q: What are Gulutzan’s plans for the power play, and how will he use his personnel?
A: Gulutzan plans to mix up personnel at times to keep the power play from getting stagnant and will use both Thomas Harley and M
