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Carolina Hurricanes: 5 players who will benefit from coaching change

By Andrew Miller

OTTAWA, ON - MARCH 24: Carolina Hurricanes Goalie Scott Darling (33) waits for shots during warm-up before National Hockey League action between the Carolina Hurricanes and Ottawa Senators on March 24, 2018, at Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, ON, Canada. (Photo by Richard A. Whittaker/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
OTTAWA, ON - MARCH 24: Carolina Hurricanes Goalie Scott Darling (33) waits for shots during warm-up before National Hockey League action between the Carolina Hurricanes and Ottawa Senators on March 24, 2018, at Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, ON, Canada. (Photo by Richard A. Whittaker/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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RALEIGH, NC – APRIL 7: Cam Ward #30 of the Carolina Hurricanes slates out of the crease during a timeout of a game against the Tampa Bay Lightning on April 7, 2018 at PNC Arena in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Gregg Forwerck/NHLI via Getty Images)
RALEIGH, NC – APRIL 7: Cam Ward #30 of the Carolina Hurricanes slates out of the crease during a timeout of a game against the Tampa Bay Lightning on April 7, 2018 at PNC Arena in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Gregg Forwerck/NHLI via Getty Images) /

5. 109. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Goalie. 34-years-old. Cam Ward. player

Both goalies for the Canes had a rough time between the pipes in 2017-18. Although, Cam Ward was the better of the two, and got slightly more starts because of it. If Ward had gotten 10 or 15 more starts this season, the Canes might have a different result on their hands after the regular season.

However, that statement that Ward should have got more starts could go either way. Ward played much better in net when he was coming off the bench the previous game. His days as a quality starting goalie in the league seem to be over. But, his days as a quality backup could just be getting started.

The conversation pertaining to what the Canes should do with their goaltending situation is not the focus here. Ward definitely benefitted from his role as the backup goalie at some moments during the regular season. If the other goalie for the Canes sees massive improvement next season, it’s worth keeping Ward in the fold.

Peters’s system seems to benefit the defensive stats more so than the goalies. Ward had some rough outings where he was left out to dry by his defense. A new head coach could prevent that from happening as often. If a new head coach is a good fit with Ward, he’s worth keeping around in Raleigh for another year.

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