A Ducky Chat About Our Calgary Flames
Nov 15, 2014; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Calgary Flames goalie Jonas Hiller (1) warms up against the Ottawa Senators at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-USA TODAY Sports
I was approached by Jason Byun, the editor of the FanSided Anaheim Ducks website, and asked to answer a couple questions about our Calgary Flames. The following are the results.
Q: When talking about the Flames this season, things have to start with the tremendous season Mark Giordano is having. He had a real under-the-radar season last year when he scored 14 goals and 47 points, yet he’s already at six goals and 21 points through 19 games. He’s an early favorite for the Norris Trophy, which is great for a player who has been perennially underrated by many across the league. What’s been the biggest difference in his play early this season, and what’s it like seeing him get the recognition now that he’s honestly deserved for a while?
A: The chemistry shown this season between the Flames captain Mark Giordano and his defensive partner TJ Brodie (who has 4 goals and 15 points) has tapped into every area of potential for the Flames #5. In numerous interviews, Giordano has mentioned that he always feels he knows where his defensive partner is going to be. That faith in his partner has enabled Giordano to better believe in himself with where and what he does with the puck when he gets in the defensive zone therefore creating more offensive opportunities. As the years have gone by Giordano has become increasingly more steady in his zone due to his hard work and the fact that he never gives up on a play.
Personally, I don’t like the national attention Giordano is getting. I enjoy the “underdog/rebuilding” mantra that the Calgary Flames have been labeled with and am cognisant of the fact that 7 of the 11 Flames wins have come against teams who currently sit at under a “true” .500 record. I’m old school – an overtime loss is still a loss. I’d rather hold off the national love affair with Giordano until after the Flames string together a few wins against Cup contenders such as the Ducks.
Q: The Flames are seen by many as a young team that is supposed to experience growing pains, yet it seems that Calgary has done its part to bounce back from adversity. They’ve only lost two games in a row once all season, and one of those was in a shootout. None of us really expected Calgary to be a strong candidate to be in the thick of the Western Conference, yet the Flames are third in the Pacific Division and fifth in the Western Conference near the quarter mark of the season. Who has impressed you the most in this season, and which young player are you most excited to see grow into the future?
A: The .941 October save percentage by Jonas Hiller has been the most impressive part of the season for me. Flames fans were cautiously optimistic about sophomore Sean Monahan and rookie Johnny “Johnny Hockey” Gaudreau but knew that goaltending was going to be the key to success.
After a slow start both Sean Monahan (5 goals in his last 8 games) and Johnny Gaudreau (although Gaudreau’s has been held in check the past 3 games) have rounded into form. Josh Jooris was a pleasant surprise in camp and has been a pleasant surprise since being called up early in the season. For as excited as I am about the aforementioned three, Emile Poirer sits seasoning in the American Hockey League and this year’s 4th round draft pick Sam Bennett sits healing from shoulder surgery excite just as much.
Q: The Flames, in an effort to shore up their goaltending, signed former Anaheim Duck Jonas Hiller in the offseason, and he has been solid for Calgary, going 8-4-1 with a 2.30 GAA and .922 SV%. Despite how his career in Anaheim ended, Hiller was still productive for the Ducks, winning 162 regular season games and another 12 contests in the postseason in six seasons. How much has he helped the situation in net for the Flames?
A: I’ve already mentioned the astounding October Jonas Hiller had to help carry the Flames through while the young stars were putting their game together. I think it’s also fair to give Hiller some of the credit for Mark Giordano’s elevated level success because Gio has faith that if he does make a mistake, Hiller’s got his back.
How did I do Flames fans?