So, is Cervenka liking the NHL?

[FBI]

He never does any interviews due to the language barrier so we don't know how he is enjoying being a Calgary flame and playing in the NHL. I personally see him improving every game and starting to settle in and it's obvious he has some great skill.

Are there any Czech articles out there about his experience so far? Just wondering if his life long dream to play in the NHL is everything he thought it would be.

[neo45]

They've tried to interview him, but you can't get a word out of a guy thats always that out of breath. Once he is in shape to play in the NHL he is going to be a really good player

[SoulOfTheFlame]

Do you mean like or... "Like Like" ?

5 Points in 8 Games = Y E S!

Or at least... the NHL likes him. I heard that he may like the NHL back but y'know... not in THAT way.

[SportsJunky]

It does seem like he is sucking a lot of wind out there. Maybe it's an altitude thing? Love to watch him play though and I expect he's just going to get better as he adjusts to the game and the required fitness levels of the NHL.

[Enoch Root]

Originally Posted by SportsJunky

It does seem like he is sucking a lot of wind out there. Maybe it's an altitude thing? Love to watch him play though and I expect he's just going to get better as he adjusts to the game and the required fitness levels of the NHL.

I am amazed that this keeps coming up - he was on blood thinners.

He is playing a professional sport at the highest level, with a late start, missing training camp, and recovering from a blood clot that had him on blood thinning medication.

Several issues here, but the primary one is blood thinners.

Give him a chance to, first, recover physically, and then second, recover athletically.

[troutman]

He seems very excited after goals. Wants to win.

[BigRed]

Originally Posted by Enoch Root

Several issues here, but the primary one is blood thinners.

Can you explain, for those of us who don't know the effect blood thinners have on one's stamina, etc?

[Street Pharmacist]

Originally Posted by BigRed

Can you explain, for those of us who don't know the effect blood thinners have on one's stamina, etc?

Hint: zero

[badger89]

Originally Posted by Enoch Root

I am amazed that this keeps coming up - he was on blood thinners.

He is playing a professional sport at the highest level, with a late start, missing training camp, and recovering from a blood clot that had him on blood thinning medication.

Several issues here, but the primary one is blood thinners.

Give him a chance to, first, recover physically, and then second, recover athletically.

Not to mention that Calgary's elevation takes some time to adapt to. He'll be lights out as soon as he gains his fitness!

[the2bears]

Originally Posted by BigRed

Can you explain, for those of us who don't know the effect blood thinners have on one's stamina, etc?

I would guess that the blood is not as efficient at carrying oxygen. Might be other effects.

[Huntingwhale]

Cervenka is the man. I thought after his first game all that flash might have been a fluke, but he really is a very consistent player. He seems a bit small compared to other NHLers, but I think once he gets used to the pace and physicality he will really contribute on the scoresheet.

As I said in the PGT, I really wish the Flames drafted him when he was eligible. I'm not saying he will ever become one, but I have no doubts if the Flames (or any other team) drafted him early on, he could have become a very good #1 center. This guy needs to re-sign asap. I was worried he might only come play for us for only 1 year then take off somewhere else, but I think with Hudler on the team he will stick with us.

[djsFlames]

I've found that he'll get himself into a play, do a sweet deeke, or a good pass or a quick shot, and then he looks gassed and sort of loses track of the puck when it ends up behind the net or near the boards. But every game, his plays get a little more and more complete, and his endurance during shifts increases, and he's able to do a little more each time. When you're gasping for breath and in the middle of the play, you're not thinking as sharp, as your body is working super hard. Once he gets a little better in shape and his fitness up to the level where he can keep it up for whole shifts and not be out of breath so that he can keep all his focus on the play at hand, he'll be twice as dangerous.

He seems to pull one or two sick moves every game where I'm just going "wow.."

[Enoch Root]

nm

[Coach]

Really like what Cervenka has brought thus far. He gets better and better each passing game. Last night he could have had 3 or 4 goals. He is all over the puck and combined with Hudler they give the team a lot of extra skill in roles that were traditionally occupied by guys like Comeau and pre-'13 Matt Stajan who just couldn't do a damn thing with the puck that was useful. Its nice to have a team where the top 9 forwards are all threats to score. Should be interesting to see where Sven and Backlund slot in when they are ready to go.

[Erick Estrada]

Of all the players on the roster having no training camp hurt Cervenka the most by a longshot. Throw in that he wasn't even available to practice in the short week leading to the season and I think he's done really, really well. He looked a little timid initially going into corners but I've noticed he's competing a little harder now on the boards. I don't think physical play is ever going to be a big part of his game but you can see every game that he's feeling more and more comfortable and willing to battle for pucks. It's also pretty evident his skillset is on another level than possibly any other player on the team however he needs to learn to put a bit more mustard on his shot as NHL goaltenders are a lot quicker than KHL as he is finding.

[DionTheDman]

Originally Posted by Erick Estrada

... NHL goaltenders are a lot quicker than KHL as he is finding.

If the play is that different here, I wonder how it'll affect Ramo, considering his numbers weren't all that hot last time he played in North America.

[Street Pharmacist]

I think he's out of shape because he didn't need to be in shape in the KHL. Add to that he's in a new environment without his girlfriend and new baby and he's likely not as motivated to get in shape. It might not be all shape though as after he scored he had a whole bunch more jump. Maybe more a confidence thing

[Jbo]

I like what he brings and he seems to be getting better.

I hope he signs a contarct extension to stay with Jiri for a couple years.

[polak]

Favorite Flame so far this season. Resign him asap!!!

[keenan87]

How much would it take to re-sign him on his current pace.

3 years at 3.0 million per year?