The Calgary Flames may possess a lot of veteran leadership, but three young forwards hope to help lead the squad to post-season success starting tonight.
Rookie forwards Eric Nystrom and Dustin Boyd along with second-year winger David Moss all had strong showings in Calgary’s final game of the regular season, a 7-1 win in Vancouver over the Canucks on Saturday night.
“They had a good ending in their last game, so I’m sure they feel pretty positive about the experience,” said head coach Mike Keenan, noting he won’t be afraid to call upon the talented trio during the playoffs. “They’re important because they bring energy to the team and excitement and enthusiasm. That’s all part of the formula.”
Last season, Moss had his first taste of post-season play in the National Hockey League during Calgary’s first-round loss in six games to the Detroit Red Wings. He even had a great chance to score in Game 6 to extend the series to seven games, but shot the puck just over the cross bar.
This year, Moss has a more positive outlook heading into Calgary’s opening-round series against the San Jose Sharks.
“I think we will be counted on for some energy and to bring a little youth to the team,” Moss said. “Hopefully, given the chance, we can help offensively, but for sure be solid defensively and try to shut San Jose down.”
Both Boyd and Nystrom are looking forward to their first NHL playoff experiences.
“Everyone wants to play in the playoffs and everyone wants to go for the Cup,” Boyd said. “I’m excited to get things going.”
Nystrom is heading into the post-season on a tear, having notched two goals and two assists against the Canucks.
“It’s always nice to have a game like that and get your confidence up,” said Nystrom.
“I’m just excited, a chance to win the Stanley Cup. This is the first chance I’ve had. This team that we have here is great and that’s our goal, to win the Cup. It’s going to be really exciting.”
