The Calgary Flames didn't get the bounces they need on some rough looking ice at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto in a closely contested 4-3 loss to the Leafs. Scotiabank Arena is one of the busiest arena's in Canada, as they host concerts, and the NBA's Raptors. It has sometimes led to some uneven ice surfaces in the past and that's what appeared to be the case in this one.
Making no excuses for the Flames play in Toronto, but they've had the luxury of playing on a surface that has much less heat and friction on it on a nightly basis at the Saddledome. It's an explanation for the bad bounces and turnovers, that being said, every ice surface in the NHL is different. The best teams in the league find a way to adjust, the Flames unfortunately aren't among those teams.
Samuel Honzek buries first career NHL goal
The puck was bouncing and hopping around more than usual, a number of players on both sides found themselves on their backsides. Nevertheless, after 14 games in the National Hockey League, Samuel Honzek found the goal column of the scoresheet for the first time in his NHL career.
A turnover by the Leafs in their own zone found Honzek in front of the net, all alone after a feed by captain Mikael Backlund, and tucking it over the shoulder of Anthony Stolarz, which tied the game at three.
The former first round draft pick of the Flames at number 16 overall in 2023, has had a bit of a battle and search for an identity on his way to the NHL lineup, and it would appear he has found his style of play that will keep him in the NHL this season.
After spending five games in the NHL last season, registering no points, he was sent back to his junior team in the WHL to hone his craft. After securing his first NHL earlier in the week, it looks like Samuel Honzek is here to stay at the NHL level.