Jonathan Huberdeau and Andrei Kuzmenko were at the heart of the Calgary Flames' success in a 4-1 victory over the Boston Bruins on Tuesday, and their performances are perhaps a harbinger of great nights to come.
The Quebecer scored a goal and two assists in his team's victory and was particularly involved in Kuzmenko's first goal with the Flames. Additionally, you have to go back to December 20, 2022 to see Huberdeau score at least three points in a game.
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In an interview with the Sportsnet network after the meeting, the former Florida Panthers hinted that this would not be the last time the two attackers will torment the opposing defense.
“We’re going to make plays,” he said. I think we saw it tonight [mardi] and I can't wait to be successful in more games. We’ve talked a lot and we have to do the same thing night after night.”
Huberdeau and Kuzmenko completed a line controlled by Yegor Sharangovich. According to the Russian, there is still progress to be made but all three players are on the right track.
“It’s not great,” Kuzmenko said, according to comments in the Calgary Herald newspaper. Because we had a lot of chances and need more goals. It's a good line. It's a very good connection. Every time we're on the ice we talk. I like this.”
For Huberdeau, the key to success lies primarily in defensive efficiency.
“We want to play in their zone as much time as possible so as not to have to defend,” said the Saint-Jérôme native. That is our goal. First you have to think about defense. That's what we did this evening. We have to continue to do that.”
The Flames won't give up
Despite Elias Lindholm's departure to Vancouver, the Flames will continue to put their foot down until the end of the season.
“A pack of hyenas can take down a lion,” explained striker Nazem Kadri. That's the kind of mentality we need: playing as a team and everyone participates. And if we do that, we can achieve great things.”
The southern Alberta team is three points behind the St. Louis Blues, who were the last team accepted into the Western Conference.