The Calgary Flames had high expectations coming into the season, but have yet to live up to that in the first month. That task just got a little tougher, as the team will be without star Johnny Gaudreau for six weeks after he underwent surgery for a fractured finger. The injury occurred in the third period of a 1-0 win over the Minnesota Wild on Tuesday, as Gaudreau took a third slash to the hand.
The Flames understand what they are up against, as they were preparing for the worst from the get-go. Head coach Glen Gulutzan stated after the injury "we're not the first team or the last that's going to lose a star player and then have to find a way to manufacture wins." While captain Mark Giordano admitted "it's a tough blow."
Gaudreau just signed a six-year, $40.5 million extension last month, but got off to a slow start to his season. He started off with just two goals in the first 14 games, but has recently caught fire with two goals in his last three contests. Overall, he has five goals and six assists in 17 games.
The 23-year-old will be replaced by Linden Vey in the lineup, as the Flames look to boost their relevance in the Western Conference. Calgary is currently at 15 points with a dismal record of 7-11-1, as they sit in second-to-last place in the Pacific Division.
The Flames understand what they are up against, as they were preparing for the worst from the get-go. Head coach Glen Gulutzan stated after the injury "we're not the first team or the last that's going to lose a star player and then have to find a way to manufacture wins." While captain Mark Giordano admitted "it's a tough blow."
Gaudreau just signed a six-year, $40.5 million extension last month, but got off to a slow start to his season. He started off with just two goals in the first 14 games, but has recently caught fire with two goals in his last three contests. Overall, he has five goals and six assists in 17 games.
The 23-year-old will be replaced by Linden Vey in the lineup, as the Flames look to boost their relevance in the Western Conference. Calgary is currently at 15 points with a dismal record of 7-11-1, as they sit in second-to-last place in the Pacific Division.
