Even though the Calgary Flames are eliminated from the playoffs, it doesn’t mean that some of the players still can’t benefit from it.
It’s a new day which means we’re one day closer to the end of the season for the Calgary Flames. But just because the Flames aren’t making the playoffs doesn’t mean that some of the players on the team can’t benefit from that.
With all the injuries, some of the other guys have been getting some great chances. Curtis Lazar has been getting top-line experience, even though most of us would prefer he didn’t. The coaching staff has also been somewhat experimenting with Sam Bennett. And then, of course, there’s Brett Kulak.
With TJ Brodie injured and unlikely to return, and with speculation that he may be traded, we may have already unknowingly seen Brodie’s last game in a Flames jersey. With him injured, we’re seeing other options for that second pairing. The Flames have been mainly putting Michael Stone with Travis Hamonic, but they’ve also experimented with Kulak on that second pairing.
Calgary Flames
This year is Kulak’s first season as an NHL regular, and while he gets limited minutes a night as half of a third pairing, it’s an opportunity of a lifetime.
Via Calgary Sun:
"“He went from the East Coast League, to the American League to part-time last year to almost full-time this year,” said Flames head coach Glen Gulutzan. “He’s on a road to become a regular NHL-er and he has to keep improving every day. That’s what he’s going to take is that, ‘I belong here’ (attitude).”“I think it really drills into your head the importance of every game,” Kulak pointed out. “You know, if it comes down to the stretch, it could be a matter of two points. Games back in November — those are crucial games. Sure, the last six weeks have felt like crunch time for us. It just opens your eyes. Even back before Christmas, it was crunch time. You have to bring that attitude back (next year) as well.”"
We’ll most likely be seeing Kulak in a Flames jersey next season as a regular. And many fans have been liking the Kulak and Rasmus Andersson pairing. While it’s unfortunate that players are dealing with injuries, it gives the opportunity to not only the other players to get some games and chances in, but it gives the opportunity to the coaching staff to see other options.
Some links surrounding the Flames
Kulak gaining experience on Flames blueline with no post-season in sight (Calgary Sun).
STAJAN NAMED MASTERTON TROPHY NOMINEE (Calgary Flames).
Seven storylines to follow as Flames play out the string (Calgary Sun).
Some links surrounding hockey and the NHL
Ice-Cold Takes: Playoff hype, Brody Marleau, the Art Ross race is over (FanSided).
Tanks for nothing: Some NHL teams can’t win for losing (CBC Sports).
NHL Draft Lottery odds announced (NHL.com).
Next: Flames Daily - Elimination loss, Stajan for Masterton
That’s all in today’s Flames Daily!