Calgary Flames forward Sean Monahan juggled an airborne puck into the net; his third goal of the 2015-16 season in a 5-2 victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins.
More from Flame for Thought
- Updates from Conroy: UFAs, main camp, captaincy, goaltending, prospects
- Fantasy Hockey: Potential Calgary Flames sleeper picks
- Flames captaincy updates and candidate rankings
- Camp Notes: Previewing Calgary Flames Prospects at the Young Stars Classic
- Could Flames goalie Dan Vladar be a trade option for the Avalanche?
The Calgary Flames have struggled at times this season, both offensively and defensively but the 5-2 end result against the Penguins is a definite sign of improvement. With a youthful forward pack containing the likes of Monahan, Johnny Gaudreau and Sam Bennett, a lot of questions are asked about their readiness for the NHL.
Sean Monahan hit back at any questions about his ability or form this season, some of which even we’ve asked.
RELATED: 4 Calgary Flames Searching For Form In Mile High City
The goal came with the Calgary Flames leading by 3 to 1 midway through the second period. Kris Russell and Dougie Hamilton are starting to display a little chemistry and it was their play that led to the initial rebound. Jiri Hudler managed to keep the puck along the boards, put it back in-front, giving Hamilton a second shot on net and that was all the set-up required.
Johnny Gaudreau chipped the puck into the air, flicked it across to the incoming Monahan who knocked it through the air over the sprawling Fleury; a sequence requiring amazing hand-eye co-ordination and skill from the young pairing.
Last night at the Scotiabank Saddledome, any questions about the younger players in their side were firmly answered against Sidney Crosby, Phil Kessel, Evgeni Malkin and company. Not only did the Calgary Flames win, but they did so emphatically netting goals past a strong goaltender in Mark-Andre Fleury.
Gaudreau would end the night named the third star with a three-point haul – two goals and the assist on this. Monahan’s goal served as Johnny’s way of repaying the favour for Sean’s assist on his earlier goal – Sean finishing the night with a goal and assist. Meanwhile, the other youthful offensive threat for the Calgary Flames, Sam Bennett scored himself the night’s first star with a goal and assist of his own.
All three young men showed they are worthy of carrying the torch of the Calgary Flames’ next generation tonight, out-performing a team that on paper has two of the most offensively stacked lines in the league.
They’ll be looking to continue their fine form in Florida next Tuesday as the Jaromir Jagr and the Florida Panthers host the Calgary Flames at the BB&T Center.
This game begins a tough four game road-trip as they hook up with Steven Stamkos and the Tampa Bay Lightning at Amalie Arena in Tampa on Thursday, rounding out the week with a trip to face the Washington Capitals on Friday and Chicago Blackhawks on Sunday before finally heading home.
Next: Flames News: Kanzig, Hall Of Fame
Is this goal a sign that luck is finally swinging in the Calgary Flames’ favour? Tell us what you think in the comments section below.