Johnny Be Good

Johnny Gaudreau was back in the Flames lineup last night after missing 3 weeks, due to surgery for a broken finger. Surgery that usually takes a few months to heal, but Johnny is not your common hockey player. He had a goal and an assist in his return last night, and helped spark the Flames to an 8-3 route of the Anaheim Ducks.

During his absence the Flames went 6-3-1, and they are 7-10-1 when he is in the lineup this season. The Flames have better Corsi and Fenwick numbers when Gaudreau was not in the lineup. As well, through 18 games this season Johnny only has 6 goals and 7 assist, which are a bit below standards for someone of his caliber. However, in his last 5 games, he has had 6 points. So if you look at all those numbers, you might say that Gaudreau does not play a pivotal factor in his teams success. Although I do enjoy numbers, and statistics, they are not always 100% accurate. In this case, they are wrong.

In my mind, Johnny Gaudreau is in the top 10 of the most talented/gifted players in the league. He is one of the best natural goal scorers in the league. He has 61 goals in 178 games. So around ever 3 games, he is going to score a goal. During the 2014-15 NHL Playoff, Gaudreau had 4 goals and 5 assists in 11 games. So when it counts, he get's the job done. The Flames also have Gaudreau locked up for 6 seasons, (at 6.75 million per season) so there is some security knowing they have him in the lineup for many years to come.

Yes, the Flames and Gaudreau were caught in contract disputes this summer. However, he showed his loyalty to the team, and was able to get a deal done before the season opener. The kid loves to play hockey, and he has an energy level that is contagious and refreshing for the team. The one thing about Gaudreau, is that he always is able surpass adversity. There have been doubters all during his hockey career, and he has proved those doubters wrong. Those doubters include NHL scouts. Gaudreau was not drafted until the 4th round and 114th overall in the 2011 NHL entry draft. A complete steal by the Flames!

Hockey runs in Johnny's family. His dad, Guy, was raised on a dairy farm on the U.S. side of the Quebec-Vermont border, skated at the university level for the Norwich Cadets and is now the director of hockey at Hollydell Ice Arena in Sewell, N.J.

Johnny "Hockey" is the type of player that really grows on you. You can see the love for the game within him. You can see he will fight for every last puck battle. With Johnny Gaudreau, Sam Bennett and Sean Monahan, the Flames have a terrific trio of talented players. The Flames still have a LONG way to be a Stanley Cup contender. However, once thing is for sure. Johnny will be good, and good for many years to come.,