Flames fans are not happy with Sutter's post-game comments

In case you missed it last night, the Calgary Flames' Stanley Cup hopes officially came to an end following a 3-2 shootout loss to the Nashville Predators.

The Flames outshot and outplayed the Predators for much of the game, but as has been the case for the Flames this season, it simply wasn't enough. The shots were 44 to 29 for the Flames, yet they lose by a goal in the shootout. It's a stat line that has been duplicated over and over for the Flames this season and it was ultimately their undoing in the playoff race.

The worst part about it all is that with the season on the line, with their backs up against the wall in the shootout and who does head coach Darryl Sutter call on at his team's biggest moment? Nick Ritchie...

Seriously?

Seriously.

You call on Nick Ritchie of all people to save your season? With Tyler Toffoli and Andrew Mangiapane sitting on the bench? Good grief...

So... what's the thinking here, Coach?

So... if I'm hearing this correctly, Sutter put Nick Ritchie in this critical shootout because he scored against Preds goalie Juuse Saros way back on Nov. 21, 2022. While Ritchie was still with the Arizona Coyotes... on one of his just 5 career shootout attempts. That's... that's crazy.

Needless to say, there's no lack of outrage amongst Flames fans online. I could share a few of the replies to Sutter's comments but it's mostly just people dog piling on the 'Fire Sutter' train.

Look, there's no denying Sutter's accomplishments. He has reached the peak of this sport as a head coach... but his best coaching results come nearly a decade ago and he consistently hamstrung his team with stubborn decisions all season long. I suspect that this may have been his final season in the NHL as a head coach and almost certainly his last season in the Flames' organization. And frankly, there should be no shame in that.

Again, Sutter has accomplished all there is to accomplish as an NHL coach. He was one of the best coaches of his generation, but it's becoming painfully obvious that the game is simply passing him by. It happens to all the greats at one point or another.