Darryl Sutter returns to Flames with 'unfinished business'

Darryl Sutter will officially begin his second stint as head coach of the Calgary Flames early next week and the veteran wants this tenure to be different from last.

"For me, it's unfinished business," Sutter said during media availability on Friday, according to Chris Johnston of Sportsnet.

Following a 7-3 victory over the Ottawa Senators on Thursday night, Geoff Ward was fired as head coach. Sutter, 62, was immediately named successor.

While it's Sutter's job, the bench boss will have to go through protocol and will not be eligible to coach until practice on Tuesday, according to Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet. Assistant coach Ryan Huska will run the bench this weekend against the Edmonton Oilers and Senators.

Sutter originally became head coach of the Flames in the midst of the 2002-03 campaign. The next year, while also acting as the team's general manager, he helped lead the club to a Stanley Cup Final, which they lost in seven games to the Tampa Bay Lightning.

After the lockout the following season, Sutter's Flames won the Northwest Division with a 46-25-11 record but ultimately lost in the opening round of the playoffs. Sutter stepped down as head coach at the end of the campaign, citing difficulties handling both roles.

From 2002-06, Sutter managed the Flames to a 107-73 record with 15 ties and 15 overtime losses. Since then, Sutter head coached the Los Angeles Kings from 2011-17, winning two Stanley Cups and boasting a 225-147-53 record.

The Flames are currently fifth in the North Division with an 11-11-2 record and minus-7 goal differential.