I wonder if the difference in how they play the puck that matters is less mechanical skill and more decision process in regards to our scheme? Does Darling hesitate in who to play it to more than Ward, and if so, does that hesitation lead to a lower success rate in clearing the zone...thus more scoring chances for the other team? Honestly, I don't see a difference between the two of them in this regard. What I think is the bigger difference between the two is positioning (Ward is less likely to be out of position due to a previous move of his own, IMO) and rebound control (Ward is more likely to keep the puck or put it where it is less harmful, IMO). I think it is rebound control that is the biggest problem right now. It reminds me of when Justin Peters was forced to play for Ward for an extended period of time. He was terrible with his rebounds, but the team adjusted to his style and played a more conservative game in front of him to "clean up" after him. I don't see Peters making that change to help Darling.