Calgary Flames Three Keys To Beating The New York Rangers
By Luke Ryan
Dec 10, 2015; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Calgary Flames right wing Michael Frolik (67) got a cut on his head against the Buffalo Sabres during the third period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Calgary Flames won 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
Illness can’t factor into the Calgary Flames performance, regardless of the obvious impact it’s been having on the team the past few days.
As noted by Sportsnet’s Roger Millions on Twitter, all Calgary Flames playing staff were given Friday off in the home some time away from the ice helps them recover and come out fighting fit against the New York Rangers:
Head coach, Bob Hartley put it rather well when asked about the Calgary Flames locker-room prior to their victory over the Buffalo Sabres. He came out with a pair of fantastic comments that ‘guys were puking everywhere’ and ‘guys were whiter than snowmen’ in an audio interview with Sportsnet.
Jonas Hiller started in net for the first time in a while last time out, due to the flu knocking Karri Ramo down; the backup spending the night in the locker-room, not even making the bench. Likewise, Jiri Hudler was another player to succumb to symptoms and not make it out to the ice, giving Michael Ferland a chance.
It’s going to be vital for the Calgary Flames performance that they once again grit their teeth and ride out any illness in the team.
Whether Ramo or Hiller gets the start is anyone’s guess – it’ll likely hinge on who’s feeling healthier. Likewise, Hudler may well miss another game, but this is a less concerning – Ferland did what was asked of him against the Sabres.
No person enjoys being unwell, but it’s hard to imagine feeling sick and having to face a team that’s flying high in the standings.
Next: Defense Needs To Weigh In Some Points