Flames Coach Hartley Talks Glencross, Westgarth, and McGrattan
By Traci Kay
Photo Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
The Calgary Flames are at the Saddledome again tonight as they take on Ryan Getzlaf and the Anaheim Ducks. Getzlaf, originally from Regina, Saskatchewan (yes, I spelled it right because I’m also originally from Saskatchewan), has 71 points in 61 games with the Ducks this season and four points in his last five games. Anaheim is loaded with offensive talent and the Flames will need to fight back with offence of their own.
As Bob Hartley explained in a video on Flames TV, Curtis Glencross and Kevin Westgarth are ready to return to the Flames line-up tonight which will be a much needed boost to the offensive play. He also touched on the status of Karri Ramo (progressing and could possibly play next week), Tyler Wotherspoon (should be back as soon as tomorrow), Dennis Wideman (will probably be out quite a while), Markus Granlund (they don’t know how bad his injuries are yet), and Jiri Hudler (could return soon).
After McGrattan opened up to Flames TV about his thoughts on his role on the team and his struggles in the past, Bob Hartley spoke about Brian McGrattan. As Hartley explained, McGrattan’s biggest fight has been “off the ice” and Hartley has the utmost respect for a player who can hit rock bottom and bounce back into a “big teddy bear” who keeps the mood light among his teammates during the most trying times.
For example, Hartley gave testament to the humorous personality of Big Ern (as he’s affectionately know on twitter) when he recounted how, during shootouts, McGrattan has jokingly asked “am I going first?” Hartely’s response is that “one day, I”ll surprise him.” It’s obvious to me how much Hartley respects Big Ern and appreciates his presence on the Flames team.
On the heels of a two-game goal streak, McGrattan will be in the line-up alongside his returning teammates Glencross and Westgarth as they prepare to battle against another of the strongest teams in league.
Puck drop at the Dome is at 8pm MST and will be broadcast on SportsNet West.
Go Flames Go!