Huberdeau Finds His Form as Flames Push Towards Playoff Contention

Jonathan Huberdeau, a winger for the Calgary Flames, is rediscovering his confidence amidst the NHL season, having already surpassed his goal totals from the previous two seasons with 17 goals. This improvement comes after a challenging first season with the Flames, where he expressed feelings of losing his swagger.

At 31 years old and from St-Jerome, Quebec, Huberdeau's impact on the team goes beyond scoring; he is adapting to the defensive duties required by the Flames, who are currently struggling to score goals. He shared his thoughts on his growth as a player, highlighting his increased involvement in defensive plays and penalty killing, which are significant for the team's overall strategy.

Huberdeau noted the adjustment required for a high-salary player in a lower-scoring team and acknowledged the need for reliability on the defensive side. Throughout the season, he has been working to earn the trust of the coaching staff, showcasing his playmaking abilities in various situations.

With Calgary positioned just below the playoffs and facing stiff competition, Huberdeau’s performance, alongside rookie goalie Dustin Wolf, has been crucial to the team's first half of the season. Challenges like untimely penalties and a struggling penalty kill have hindered the Flames, but the team is committed to improving these areas.

Head coach Ryan Huska emphasized the importance of addressing their penalty issues while also recognizing the need for better first-period scoring. As the Flames build their identity as a resilient team, players like Huberdeau have been instrumental in fostering that mindset.

The Flames have demonstrated tenacity, particularly in games where they have had to come back from behind, which is indicative of the team's character this season. Huberdeau expressed his confidence in the team's collective abilities and their potential to secure a playoff spot, reinforcing the belief in one another as they navigate the remainder of the season.