Flames coach Gulutzan impressed with Golden Knights
CALGARY, Alberta — Glen Gulutzan thought the NHL could work in Las Vegas. But even he has been impressed by what the Golden Knights have managed to accomplish so far — especially in the community.
It’s been quite a leap from Gulutzan’s days with the ECHL’s Las Vegas Wranglers when he was the team’s first coach and general manager in 2003.
“I thought that if they did it right, if the rink (T-Mobile Arena) was in the right spot, which it is, and it’s beautiful, they built the practice rink in Summerlin, I think they had a real chance,” Gulutzan, the coach of the Calgary Flames, said prior to Tuesday’s first meeting between the two teams. “There was nothing in that city when I lived there that was truly galvanizing for the city and I thought the first (major league) sports team that went in there that could be a real possibility if they did things right and it seems like the Knights have done things tremendous.”
Gulutzan, who spent six years with the Wranglers and still owns a home in Las Vegas, gives the Knights’ organization full credit for making hockey popular in the city.
“I read an article about the crowds they get at the practice rink and it’s an ability for the Vegas people to call something of their own,” Gulutzan said. “It’s their team and I think they’ve capitalized on it. I think it’s going to be a real good thing for the league and for the city.”
McNabb update
Knights defenseman Brayden McNabb missed his second straight game Tuesday with an upper-body injury. However, coach Gerard Gallant was hopeful McNabb will return to the lineup at some point on the team’s current six-game road trip.
“He’s still day-to-day,” Gallant said after Tuesday morning’s skate at the Scotiabank Saddledome. “We don’t think it’s going to be anything long-term. He’s on the trip. He’s doing well. I don’t know exactly when he’ll be ready, but it’s close.”
McNabb has appeared in 44 games and has two goals and eight assists. He also leads the team in hits (129) and blocked shots (111).
Jason Garrison took McNabb’s spot in the lineup and was paired with Nate Schmidt. The two played together in last Thursday’s 2-1 loss to the New York Islanders.
Frolik back for Flames
The Flames got forward Michael Frolik back Tuesday after he missed 12 games with a broken jaw.
Frolik, who has seven goals and 15 points, was expected to be reunited with linemates Mikael Backlund and Matthew Tkachuk.
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Contact Steve Carp at scarp@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2913. Follow @stevecarprj on Twitter.