Calgary Flames Winger Named NHL First Star Of The Week
By Luke Ryan
Calgary Flames winger, Johnny Gaudreau has been named the NHL First Star Of The Week; little surprise in a week where he scored five goals in two games.
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As reported by The Canadian Press, the Calgary Flames winger beat out strong competition from second star, Dallas Stars goaltender Antti Niemi who posted a 1.02 goals against average en-route to two wins in three games.
Third star, Toronto Maple Leafs center, Tyler Bozak offered up four goals and an assist across three games, which in most weeks might have been enough to take the crown.
Calgary Flames fans know that Gaudreau can score goals; the fact he came so close to netting two hat-tricks in the one week failed to surprise anyone, despite the fact nobody has achieved this for the franchise in twenty years.
With his Calgary Flames contract soon to end, it’ll be intriguing to see what sort of cash is coughed up to keep Gaudreau wearing a Calgary Flames jersey.
Teammate Matt Stajan was effusive in his praise for Gaudreau in an interview with NJ Advance Media’s Randy Miller. “I think everybody here sees it every night. Here and now he’s really feeling it. He’s a big reason … probably the biggest reason for our success here lately on home ice and in general.” said Calgary Flames center, Stajan.
“Here and now he’s really feeling it.” – Matt Stajan (NJ.com)
As the month of December draws to a close, it seems likely the 2011 fourth round draft pick will be in contention for the NHL monthly awards.
He currently sits on 12 goals and six assists for a December total thus far of 18 points through 11 games.
Related Story: Gaudreau Likely The Only Flames All-Star?
He is already the only Calgary Flames player likely to be appearing at the NHL All-Star Game and no doubt if the form continues, he could well be in the running for the end-of-season awards, especially should his goal scoring lead the Calgary Flames into the playoffs.
Next: Calgary Flames Set New Franchise Home Wins Record
Will Johnny Gaudreau be able to maintain this level of form for the Calgary Flames? Let us know what you think in the comments section below.