RUMOR: DISRESPECTFUL move from head coach leads team to lose a veteran goalie.

RUMOR: Disrespectful moves from head coach lead team to lose a veteran goalie

Eric Francis, HNIC-turned-Sportsnet analyst, Calgary Sun/Herald & Sportsnet.ca columnist, wrote an interesting paper this morning.

Francis reports that the Brian Elliott era is over in Calgary as the Flames’ season. Last night against the Anaheim Ducks in a decisive game, head coach Glen Gulutzan replaced Elliott with Chad Johnson after Elliott allowed only one goal after facing three shots.  

“It’s tough to swallow, especially in an elimination game,” said a soft-spoken Elliott.

“It’s not how you imagine things happening.”

“As a goalie you take pride in giving yourself and your team a chance to win every night and that, off the bat, I still can’t explain how it goes under my pad there,” said Elliott, who only faced three shots.

Eric Francis conclusions are pretty accurate: “Someone will get a very good goalie next year.” Wrote Francis, “Johnson is the logical backup once again, but let the Ben Bishop rumors begin. Yes, heroes are born in the playoffs. Unfortunately, so are goats.”

Brian Elliott played 375 NHL games. He maintained a 2.43 GAA.