Just over a month after hiring Bill Peters as head coach, the Calgary Flames are finally putting the finishing touches on his staff.
Ryan Huska, who did a fine job over the last three seasons as Stockton's bench boss, is expected to be hired as an assistant. No surprise there.
Geoff Ward is the other assistant expected to be brought on board.
Runs a very good powerplay, and word is he is indeed going to CAL https://t.co/AmoEs2SfPT
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) May 30, 2018
If that tweet didn't make it obvious, Ward spent the last three seasons in New Jersey running their power play.
Let's take a look at how he fared.
There are two ways you can look at this. Ward's power plays didn't generate much volume in terms of chances or shot attempts. Not ideal.
On the other hand, his power plays fared well where it counts – on the scoreboard. He had two top-11 units in terms of goals/60.
This while, for the most part, working with a Devils team that wasn't exactly overflowing with talent. The personnel is much better with the Flames.
In New Jersey, Ward didn't have an elite puck mover like Dougie Hamilton or Mark Giordano. He didn't have an elite goal scorer in Sean Monahan. He didn't have a pesky net front presence, who can also make plays, like Matthew Tkachuk.
In theory, he should have an easier time squeezing out some goals in Calgary.
That's certainly the hope as the Dave Cameron led Flames ranked 28th in PP goals/60 and looked lifeless for the vast majority of the season. That can't happen again.
Based on Ward's tenure with the Devils, there's reason to be confident it won't.
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