Calgary's struggling squad will receive a much-needed jolt with its top-pairing blueliner back from a four-game banishment
Amidst the doom, gloom, fretting and frustration, the Calgary Flames have a spark of good news as they prepare for Wednesday’s home clash with the Dallas Stars.
Top-pairing defenseman Rasmus Andersson is set for a return after missing the past four games due to the suspension he was handed after the club’s Oct. 20 game against the Columbus Blue Jackets.
“New week, new opportunities, new home game,” Andersson told the assembled media after Tuesday’s practice at the Saddledome. “We’ve got to bring our best.”
The Flames are in a five-game losing skid that has them down to 31st overall in the league. Andersson, who has collected one goal and three points in five games this season, adds an element that has been sorely missed for the past games.
“If you’re down a goal, he’s going to push to be a part of getting you back into the game. If you’re up a goal, he’s going to push to make sure you stay up a goal,” coach Ryan Huska said of his team’s “best defenseman”.
“He’s just got a level of confidence and swagger about him.”
From his time on the sidelines watching, Andersson said his team is struggling to find its offensive confidence and has not been shooting enough pucks.
“We know as a team and as individuals we can be better. We just got to get the swagger, confidence, and we’ll take it from there,” he said.
As for his suspension, which Andersson appealed with the hopes of it being reduced even one game so he could play in the Heritage Classic but was unsuccessful, the defenseman said little beyond he hopes Blue Jackets forward Patrik Laine is healthy soon.
“You’ve got to respect the league’s decision, and it’s better I respect the decision and not say much more,” he said.