His defensive game will always be a work in progress, but the Flames have a shortage of pure goal scorers of Kuzmenko's ilk

The two goals Andrei Kuzmenko scored in the Calgary Flames 4-2 loss to the Seattle Kraken were eye-catching. That only told part of the story. Kuzmenko was firing away all game — unlike his sleepy-time teammates — and that was also of huge importance.

“The shot attempts. He’s trying to shoot the puck, whether or not they go in,” coach Ryan Huska said. “It’s a real positive for us and for him when they do, but when he’s shooting the puck, things happen. It was a good night for him, a step in the right direction.”

Kuzmenko, who is still trying to find his spot on the Flames after being acquired five weeks ago in the major swap that sent Elias Lindholm to the Vancouver Canucks, showed the shoot-first mentality the Flames require, among other aspects. To net those goals, his fourth and fifth in 10 games since the trade, Kuzmenko registered a career-best seven shots on net, while another five were blocked and two more missed. He certainly looked better than the previous outing, his first after missing two games due to illness.

As much as Kuzmenko’s defensive sense will never garner Selke Trophy consideration — and at 28 years old, that is not likely to change — his offensive touch is much-needed by the Flames. Few players on the squad have his scoring touch and willingness to use it, and it’s no fluke Calgary’s power-play has been improved since Kuzmenko’s arrival (18.8% in the 10 games he’s played).

In the aftermath of the Seattle game, Kuzmenko, was not about to accept any bouquets.

“For me, it doesn’t matter, personal game,” he said. “My team loses, it doesn’t matter how many I score, how many assists. This is not an individual sport. This is a team. I’m a team guy. It doesn’t matter today I score. We lose and it’s a very bad moment.”

Even so, Kuzmenko — with his buoyant personality — knows the Flames willing to give him the opportunity to shine, so long as he continues to work on his play without the puck.  

“After trade, it’s step-by-step with new team, new rules with the coaches and new players,” he said. “It’s a very big difference, and every day, I go step-by-step and work hard. I want to show my maximum, but now my not very good and I understand.

“Now is a good chance for me to show my maximum, my potential.”

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