Quote:
Originally Posted by Calgary4LIfe
"Best line in hockey" - that's what the first line made me think tonight. I mean, I am obviously exaggerating here to make this point:
Huberdeau has had good games. Last season, he was awful. To start this season, he was worse, even if he got some points then, he was simply awful. Bounced back a little on Backlund's line for a short while, and stopped being bad, but also stopped producing completely. Even that was ok with me - he at least stopped turning pucks over all the time and stopped being this huge liability on most shifts. Then Huska put him back with Lindholm and Sharangovich, and not only did he maintain a much more trustworthy overall game, but his offence was starting to come in spurts here and there. There would be a couple - maybe a few - plays on most nights that he looked like a talented player.
Tonight was the first time since the Flames acquired him that I saw a 'superstar'. He was noticeable on the ice most shifts. His goal was such a high-skill play. There wasn't a more talented player on the ice tonight for either team. I have never said this even once since the Flames acquired him. I 100% disagree with people who pointed at some points and arguing that he was being effective. Tonight, he was the best player on the ice, and he was the best player on most of his shifts.
This interests me greatly. If those three can form some kind of magic, what a wonderful story it would be. They were all magical tonight. If it holds - and that's a big if, since one game sample sizes are what they are - then that's 3 good lines for the Flames, plus a bunch of very good spare parts to make some kind of a good 4th line.
I definitely don't envy Conroy right now. Some tough decisions.
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100% agree with everything said about Huberdeau, just nailed it. Also want to echo others sentiments that something never seemed right between Lindy and Hubie. I think as others have mentioned it mostly had to with Lindy probably being bitter about the Hubie contract, especially last season as he was heavily outplaying Hubie. Hubie could obviously sense that and probably let it get to his head. Today it wasn’t just how dominant he looked it’s also as if he looked like he was playing more freely as if Lindy was no longer in his head. Obvs that’s a huge reach but I think there’s def something there.
Also in October Kadri had 2 points in 9 games and was a -11. Since then:
Nov: 13 pts, +4
Dec: 11 pts, +2
Jan: 13 pts, +5
One game in Feb, 3 points and +2. Kadri is living up to his contract and then some.