[News] Flames name Geoff Ward and Ryan Huska as assistant coaches

[SebC]

Originally Posted by Roof-Daddy

I think it's safe to say that the casual fan has no clue what Sigalet does for the Flames goalies on a daily/yearly basis, and therefore cannot form a reasonably sound opinion on whether he should be fired or not.

We can assess his process without knowing it by looking at his inputs and results (i.e. we can treat him as a black box).

Originally Posted by dissentowner

And yes, I am fueled by Nyquil still. Every year in the Spring I seem to pick up a bug.

You said flu, but if your symptoms are more like a heavy cold and you experience them every spring, you could have a seasonal pollen allergy (hay fever), which means you should be taking anti-histamines instead.

[Textcritic]

Originally Posted by SebC

We can assess his process without knowing it by looking at his inputs and results (i.e. we can treat him as a black box)...

So, what are Sigalet's inputs and their results?

[TheIronMaiden]

Geoff Ward was a part of the coaching staff that beat Vancouver in 2011. I like that about him.

[GioforPM]

Originally Posted by united

I like the fact that based on the small sample of Ward's powerplays I've seen, he favours the far superior 4F1D deployment more than most coaches do (this is rapidly changing). Granted, not many teams are as heavy with left-shooting forwards as the Flames so that may force his hand. Regardless, I'm looking forward to seeing Giordano and Hamilton get the majority of powerplay time this year, with Andersson getting spot duty. He also likes forcing rotations among the penalty killers which creates gapping issues for teammates to sneak into. And, of course, players on their off-wings as any casual fan would've done last year.

I haven't focused much on Huska's penalty kill, but I like what I'm hearing. Successful penalty kills intelligently funnel in the neutral zone, and hard-press the puck carrier in the defensive zone. Doing that of course requires intelligent spacing - otherwise you get the Oilers' Swarm - but the Flames, with Backlund, Frolik, Tkachuk, and hopefully an additional forward, are set up nicely.

4F 1D assumes your 4Fs are better offensive players than most of your D. However, IMO Hamilton has a better wrister than almost any forward on the team. If you play him like a winger, it's good.

I've noticed the really successful PPs in the POs have two one time shooting options. For example, Winnipeg's had an obvious one timer target in Laine, but Schiefle often got the better look from the slot. So the pass could go all the way through to Laine or a shorter distance for the quicker shot. I liken it to the choices for spikes in volleyball - you can do the lober pass to the big hitter or a quicker one to a short spike (sometimes on the first pass).

[SebC]

Originally Posted by Textcritic

So, what are Sigalet's inputs and their results?

Inputs: goaltender performance before he coached them

Outputs: goaltender performance with him coaching them

We have stronger data for outputs than inputs, so we can also just omit the inputs (assume them to be average) and look at outputs which weakens the analysis but is still better than no analysis at all.

I'm not about to do all this now. The point is that saying that we cannot do it is wrong.

[Nelson]

-Peters hints starting goaltending will be Smith and the backup position will be a fight between Rittich and Gillies

-Responsibilities for Ward and Huska: forwards and PP and defencemen and PK respectively (but everyone will have input on everything)
--expectations for PP:
----wants to be creative and unpredictable
----as a group will break down film from 2018 playoff teams to get new ideas for PPs
----it sounds like he is open to doing 4F-1D or 3F-2D
----pointing to wanting to change up the drop back PP entry (not necessarily get rid of it, but vary it)

-Geoff Ward will make more than Ryan Huska (associate makes more than the assistant)

-want to improve team speed and be a quick, aggressive team
-move the puck fast, play north and south

-Huska had opportunities from other teams (Peters wanted to hire away Huska to Carolina when he was there)

-reads The Athletic, the article about NJ and defensive zone faceoffs

[MissTeeks]

https://twitter.com/user/status/1002303719361245184

[Jay Random]

Originally Posted by SebC

Inputs: goaltender performance before he coached them

Outputs: goaltender performance with him coaching them

We have stronger data for outputs than inputs, so we can also just omit the inputs (assume them to be average) and look at outputs which weakens the analysis but is still better than no analysis at all.

Assuming the inputs to be average, when most of the inputs are AHL-level goaltending prospects, is not better than no analysis at all. It's worse.

[Frank MetaMusil]

Yeah, SebC, I guess questioning Sigalet's track record/results/why he's still here is off limits. I gave up, he's survived two coaching staff firings somehow.

[GoJetsGo]

Originally Posted by TheIronMaiden

Geoff Ward was a part of the coaching staff that beat Vancouver in 2011. I like that about him.

One of the most righteous triumphs in hockey history.

[Roof-Daddy]

Originally Posted by Frank MetaMusil

Yeah, SebC, I guess questioning Sigalet's track record/results/why he's still here is off limits. I gave up, he's survived two coaching staff firings somehow.

It's not off limits, it's just ridiculous to keep naming him as the reason why a big long laundry list of no name and/or has been goalies hasn't performed in Calgary or Stockton. Especially when you have no clue as to the details of what he does on a day to day basis.

I have no idea if he's any good or not, and I'm certainly not happy with the goaltending we've received since he's been here, but I have no clue if he's the main reason for it or not, so don't feel it's right to keep calling for his job.

Personally, I think the main reason our goaltending has sucked all these years, is because the goalies aren't very good, and the team in front of them hasn't been great for the most part either.

[Nelson]

-wanted: relationship-driven teachers with specific skill sets that fit team needs

-there was a focus on a few guys, but it was more of an exhaustive search than with the head coach; that said, they were aware of both Huska and Ward from the start
-the search was a collaboration between Treliving and Peters because Treliving believes it's important for Peters to trust Huska and Ward and for there to be fit and comfortability

-a powerful thing to do and the right thing to do to promote from within, but Huska is also a very good coach (other teams have wanted to hire him, including the Hurricanes when Peters was the head coach there)
-Peters wanted Huska too

-Geoff was under contract with NJ going into next year
-they needed permission to talk to Geoff
-before Shero would allow Geoff to talk to Trevliving, Shero had to know Geoff wasn't 1/100 options
-Ray Shero allowed Geoff to leave because it was a good opportunity for him and his family
-they really liked his skills with the PP and he was at the top of their list after a deep dive
-Geoff made a great impression on Treliving as an innovative and well-spoken teacher at the WC; he is very intelligent; Marchand and other players raved about Geoff Ward in terms of skill development

-Cail MacLean will get a lot of consideration for HC in Stockton

-with preparing for the draft, went through the same scouting/draft prep process as usual because they still might get picks

-AOM: no contract will be given by tomorrow's deadline (an AHL contract still might be)

[Beninho]

Originally Posted by Nelson

-wanted: relationship-driven teachers with specific skill sets that fit team needs

-there was a focus on a few guys, but it was more of an exhaustive search than with the head coach; that said, they were aware of both Huska and Ward from the start
-the search was a collaboration between Treliving and Peters because Treliving believes it's important for Peters to trust Huska and Ward and for there to be fit and comfortability

-a powerful thing to do and the right thing to do to promote from within, but Huska is also a very good coach (other teams have wanted to hire him, including the Hurricanes when Peters was the head coach there)
-Peters wanted Huska too

-Geoff was under contract with NJ going into next year
-they needed permission to talk to Geoff
-before Shero would allow Geoff to talk to Trevliving, Shero had to know Geoff wasn't 1/100 options
-Ray Shero allowed Geoff to leave because it was a good opportunity for him and his family
-they really liked his skills with the PP and he was at the top of their list after a deep dive
-Geoff made a great impression on Treliving as an innovative and well-spoken teacher at the WC; he is very intelligent; Marchand and other players raved about Geoff Ward in terms of skill development

-Cail MacLean will get a lot of consideration for HC in Stockton

-with preparing for the draft, went through the same scouting/draft prep process as usual because they still might get picks

-AOM: no contract will be given by tomorrow's deadline (an AHL contract still might be)

Thank you for this!! Too lazy to see what others think of the hires but I am happy with this. Don’t want an assistant coach who will try and be the head coach. Both Ward and Huska seem like innovated and younger coaches who are hungry to succeed. I’m sure their are people who wanted Jack Adams award winners as assistant coaches tho... what can you do.

Geoff ward looks like an older Jamie Lannister which is awesome

[Frank MetaMusil]

Originally Posted by Roof-Daddy

It's not off limits, it's just ridiculous to keep naming him as the reason why a big long laundry list of no name and/or has been goalies hasn't performed in Calgary or Stockton. Especially when you have no clue as to the details of what he does on a day to day basis.

I have no idea if he's any good or not, and I'm certainly not happy with the goaltending we've received since he's been here, but I have no clue if he's the main reason for it or not, so don't feel it's right to keep calling for his job.

Personally, I think the main reason our goaltending has sucked all these years, is because the goalies aren't very good, and the team in front of them hasn't been great for the most part either.

I'm not calling for his firing anymore, like I said I gave up. Treliving doesn't see it as an issue so he's still around.

Then you read stuff like this and wonder if there isn't an upgrade available:

A Source of Fleury’s Success in Las Vegas? His New Goaltending Coach

Prior faced a big challenge early in the team’s first season, when Fleury missed nearly two months with a concussion. During Fleury’s absence, Malcolm Subban, Maxime Lagace and Oscar Dansk were 16-8-1, prompting McPhee to anoint Prior as one of the league’s top goalie coaches.

Canadiens' former goalie coach says Carey Price has deteriorated

Roland Melanson cites bad guidance as reason

Last week the Canadiens fired Melanson's successor, goaltending coach Pierre Groulx — the only member of the coaching staff kept on when Michel Therrien was named head coach for the 2012-13 season.

According to Melanson, Groulx allowed Price to develop bad habits.

"He wanted to be his friend. A goalie doesn't want you to be his friend — he wants results. You're not there to be his friend."

I guess the point is, it's not some outlandish junky fan-opinion that goalie coaches aren't doing their jobs. Heck, there was even a big debate about Eddie Lack being poorly coached before he flopped in Calgary.

[H2SO4(aq)]

Originally Posted by Nelson

-Peters hints starting goaltending will be Smith and the backup position will be a fight between Rittich and Gillies

-Responsibilities for Ward and Huska: forwards and PP and defencemen and PK respectively (but everyone will have input on everything)
--expectations for PP:
----wants to be creative and unpredictable
----as a group will break down film from 2018 playoff teams to get new ideas for PPs
----it sounds like he is open to doing 4F-1D or 3F-2D
----pointing to wanting to change up the drop back PP entry (not necessarily get rid of it, but vary it)

-Geoff Ward will make more than Ryan Huska (associate makes more than the assistant)

-want to improve team speed and be a quick, aggressive team
-move the puck fast, play north and south

-Huska had opportunities from other teams (Peters wanted to hire away Huska to Carolina when he was there)

-reads The Athletic, the article about NJ and defensive zone faceoffs

This is all excellent new IMO.

That PP backpass to Johnny got stale in about game 3, the fact they kept it all 82 was the most bizarre coaching strategy ive ever seen. So predictable. Need variation.

The quick, aggressive, speed game is exactly what the Pittsburgh, LVK, etc. teams are doing. Not surprising Peters wants to adopt a similar approach, after seeing the success.

Flames new brass continues a good trend of saying the right things.

[Textcritic]

Originally Posted by H2SO4(aq)

This is all excellent new IMO.

That PP backpass to Johnny got stale in about game 3, the fact they kept it all 82 was the most bizarre coaching strategy ive ever seen. So predictable. Need variation...

The powerplay needs a serious shakeup, but I am frequently surprised by how single-minded so many posters are about its problems. The drop-pass was not a zone-entry staple, and more to the point, it is a strategy that pretty much every team employs in various situations. Entries were a problem in the early part of the season on the powerplay, but this is something that improved as the season wore on. The Flames powerplay really failed in execution once inside the offensive zone.

This and Troy Brouwer's fixture on the powerplay are among the most well-worn myths on the board.

[H2SO4(aq)]

Originally Posted by Textcritic

The powerplay needs a serious shakeup, but I am frequently surprised by how single-minded so many posters are about its problems. The drop-pass was not a zone-entry staple, and more to the point, it is a strategy that pretty much every team employs in various situations. Entries were a problem in the early part of the season on the powerplay, but this is something that improved as the season wore on. The Flames powerplay really failed in execution once inside the offensive zone.

This and Troy Brouwer's fixture on the powerplay are among the most well-worn myths on the board.

I disagree, the whole reason Peters commented on it was because it WAS a staple. Maybe I was being hyperbolic in saying every break-in was off the back pass, but the majority were. Particularly from the first unit.

It is an effective strategy, but not when it is over utilized and becomes predictable. Variety is a requirement of an effective PP.

Yes the whole pp needs a shakeup, no doubt, and an effective shot on the right side to balance out first unit would be a good place to start.

[circle]

Originally Posted by Textcritic

The powerplay needs a serious shakeup, but I am frequently surprised by how single-minded so many posters are about its problems. The drop-pass was not a zone-entry staple, and more to the point, it is a strategy that pretty much every team employs in various situations. Entries were a problem in the early part of the season on the powerplay, but this is something that improved as the season wore on. The Flames powerplay really failed in execution once inside the offensive zone.

This and Troy Brouwer's fixture on the powerplay are among the most well-worn myths on the board.

I totally agree with you.

In my opinion, the greatest weakness of our powerplay was that there was hardly any cross-ice passes. When you execute cross-ice passes, the penalty killers are forced to respond and it opens up new lanes that the puck can go to or a potential attempt at a one-timer. What I noticed that the Flames were doing was simply passing between Gaudreau on the left half-boards to Gio back to Gaudreau and if Hamilton was open in the slot, the puck would get to Hamilton and he would usually fire it. This worked sometimes but it got very predictable and the problem with this play was that penalty killers wouldn't have to move all that much aside from rotating their body from Gaudreau to Gio. To add to this, Monahan and Tkachuk hardly touched the puck when we obtained solid possession on the PP and this removed options for the Flames to disrupt the other teams' PK positioning.

[FanIn80]

Originally Posted by united

I like the fact that based on the small sample of Ward's powerplays I've seen, he favours the far superior 4F1D deployment more than most coaches do (this is rapidly changing). Granted, not many teams are as heavy with left-shooting forwards as the Flames so that may force his hand. Regardless, I'm looking forward to seeing Giordano and Hamilton get the majority of powerplay time this year, with Andersson getting spot duty.

What are people's thoughts on converting Brodie to RW on the PP?

Edit: Or even full time...

[FanIn80]

Whoops. Wrong button. (Hit quote instead of edit.)