4 Calgary Flames Searching For Form In Mile High City
By Luke Ryan
Oct 31, 2015; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Calgary Flames defenseman Kris Russell (4) and Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid (97) battle for the puck during the first period at Rexall Place. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
Kris Russell
Kris Russell has had a rather abysmal start to the season. For any positive that can be drawn, two negatives can easily counter it. His plus/minus is a shocking -14 at this early stage of the year and whether you read anything into the statistic or not; that’s pretty darn poor.
The arrival of Dougie Hamilton could well have affected Russell’s game as he knows he must now battle harder for ice-time. Surely though, this should be a motivator and not see his form slump as it has done thus far.
A lot has been written about Kris Russell, not least by Flame For Thought.
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Kris is in desperate need of some redemption in Colorado, he needs to bring his absolute best game otherwise he could well find himself scratched or potentially heading for some time with Stockton.
This mere fact should serve to motivate him and light the fire in his belly. It’s pretty unclear right now where this poor form has come from and whether there’s an end in sight. This is a player that has previously delivered the goods when called upon.
It’s plausible that at least some of the blame can fall on the goaltender, but a defensemen needs to build his own confidence, regardless of whether he has full faith in the man behind him.
As he keeps getting the ice-time, he needs to start showing he deserves it. The Pepsi Center seems like the ideal location to start chipping away at that ghastly plus/minus figure for Kris. He’s hoping he starts showing what he can bring to the table for the Calgary Flames.
Next: Players Needing Form: Mikael Backlund