Calgary Flames On Fire Courtesy Of Johnny Gaudreau
The Calgary Flames seem to show their finest form when Johnny Gaudreau is lighting it up; not bad for a 4th round pick that was too small for anyone else to take.
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The amazing overtime comeback victory against the Boston Bruins was no different; Gaudreau lit it up and the team won.
It’s not often, among Calgary Flames fans, that a player can be labelled as ‘elite’, Jarome Iginla is probably the last that deserved the crown but Johnny is certainly well on his way to it.
Now, there are guys there that could evolve into ‘elite’ talents; the likes of Sean Monahan, Dougie Hamilton and Sam Bennett spring to mind, but right now Johhny Gaudreau is the nearest thing and the Calgary Flames fans love him because of it.
The silky winger sits seventh in the whole of the NHL in terms of game winning goals – that’s his importance to the Calgary Flames. Beyond that, he is ninth on overall points and 12th on assists; not bad going for a player that should be suffering the dreaded ‘sophomore slump’.
Current projections put the Calgary Flames winger on upwards of 80 points for the year; a definite climb on last year’s 64, and he’s doing it all with a team that seems to be dragged along by his willpower alone some nights.
With the San Jose Sharks next in town, the Calgary Flames will be hoping that Gaudreau’s fine form continues; another four point night against the likes of Brent Burns and company would certainly be helpful as the Calgary Flames try to sneak into playoff contention.
Should they make it to the playoffs this year, you’d certainly give credit to a bit of luck, but a lot of it will likely be down to the assists of Gaudreau, truth be told.
No pressure, but the Calgary Flames future certainly rests pretty heavily on the little man’s shoulders.
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What do you think? Is Johnny an ‘elite’ talent yet? Will he be? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
Stats courtesy of NHL.com.