Happy Saturday Calgary Flames fans! It’s getting warmer and sunny out in Calgary. Let’s check out some news surrounding this team.
I know two days ago I said tomorrow (aka yesterday) we would talk about Dougie Hamilton in our Flames Daily article. Things happened, I messed up. The Calgary Flames should know a thing or two about that.
Kidding! Sort of.
Moving on, let’s talk about Dougie Hamilton’s career-high season with the Flames this year. Last season when Dougie was first brought to Calgary, he already had a career-high in points last year with the Flames with 43 points. This season, he had a career high in goals (13), assists (37), and points (50). Another feat was his +/- which was 12 to finish the season, a huge improvement from his -14 last season.
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- Roundup: Lindholm, Backlund, Hanifin Contract Updates
Not only is he getting more points, but he’s shooting the puck way more now. Given the go-ahead from the coaching staff to jump up on the play has drastically improved his playing style and he was definitely the Flames best blue-liner of the season.
He credits his improvement to being paired up with Calgary Flames captain, Mark Giordano, this season on that top defensive unit.
Via Calgary Herald:
"“It was definitely a big change from where I started the season. I think I was playing with a bunch of different partners, third-pairings and that kind of thing,” Hamilton said. “I had a bad stretch of games with a lot of minuses. (Gulutzan) put me with Gio and it kind of turned my season around. I tried to make the most of it and take the opportunity.”“He’s a guy I look up to.”“I think he’s just so good at everything, I don’t think he has a weakness,” Hamilton said. “Any aspect of the game, he’s good at it. His shot, he’s physical, his skating and he’s smart. Pretty much everything there. He’s a guy I look up to.”"
Anyways, I’ll be over here crying if anybody needs me.
Some links surrounding the Flames to get you through your weekend
Flames coach Gulutzan reflects on first season in Calgary (Calgary Herald).
Parsons getting professional hockey education with Flames’ farm team (Calgary Herald).
What’ll it take for Flames fans to support the Oilers (CBC News).
Some other links surrounding hockey and the NHL
Carolina Hurricanes make deal in the middle of the playoffs (Puck Prose).
Some of the best goal celebrations the NHL has ever seen (Sportsnet).
NHL must come to its senses regarding concussions (Winnipeg Free Press).
Next: Flames Throwback Thursday: Clinching in 2015
That’s all for now in this edition of Flames Daily! In your opinion, was Dougie Hamilton the best Flames blue-liner of the season? Let us know in the comments below!