Jiri Hudler The Unsung Hero Of Calgary Flames’ Hot Start
Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
Since Jiri Hudler was acquired by the Calgary Flames prior to the 2012-13 NHL season, his play on the team has only gotten better. In his first season with Calgary, Hudler posted 27 points in 42 games. The next season, he had 54 in 75 games, and he has 20 points in 23 games this season. Hudler has quietly been playing very well for a Flames team that is attracting a lot of attention for the play of their goaltenders and defensemen.
Most nights, Hudler is playing with either Sean Monahan or Johnny Gaudreau, two young skill players on the Flames. This is a huge benefit to Calgary’s player development because Hudler is an NHL veteran with plenty of knowledge to offer up. For young guys, playing alongside a guy like Hudler provides firsthand experience as to what it takes to play in the NHL. Every team has their veteran in the locker room, but few rookies actually get to play on the same line as that team leader.
Hudler sits fifth in the NHL in shooting percentage, scoring on 28.6 percent of his 35 shots on goal this season. This is a remarkable number considering shooting at 13-15 percent is considered very good come season’s end. Hudler carries a decent workload every night, playing north of 16 minutes a game. While he may not be able to keep up these amazing numbers over an 82-game season, he has got off to a hot start that should be appreciated.
Look for Bob Hartley to rely on him more as the year progresses, and expect Hudler to continue to be both a leader and an unsung hero in the Flames‘ lineup.
Shaun Lavery is a Calgary Flames writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter, or add him to your network on Google.
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