Huska presses Flames to shoot more and crowd the net
After a last-place finish in goals per game, Calgary's coach wants more direct play and traffic in front of opposing goaltenders.
Calgary Flames coach Ryan Huska says his team needs a more direct approach in the offensive zone: take available shots and create traffic at the crease. In an interview with Sportsnet's Eric Francis, Huska said he has emphasized those habits early in camp.
Calgary ranked last in NHL scoring in 2025-26 at 2.54 goals per game, according to league statistics. Huska said players too often look for another pass when a shot is available. His instructions were to "shoot the puck" and "go to the net hard." He identified Adam Klapka as a player willing to get inside and said Connor Zary, Matt Coronato and Ryan Strome need to do so more consistently.
Huska described the emphasis as a change in offensive details rather than a loosening of Calgary's defensive structure. The aim is to obstruct goaltenders' sightlines and make scoring chances harder to save.
