Three takeaways from Huberdeau’s big night for the Flames against the Flyers

Huberdeau’s four points weren’t the only thing Flames head coach Ryan Huska liked about his winger’s game on Saturday

The excitement in the air was palpable as the Calgary Flames celebrated a decisive 6-3 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers, but it was Jonathan Huberdeau who truly shone on that Saturday night. With a dazzling four-point performance that included two goals and two assists, Huberdeau showcased the skill and flair that made him a marquee acquisition for the Flames. Following the game, Flames head coach Ryan Huska was eager to discuss not just the points Huberdeau put on the board, but also the standout moments that defined his performance.

Huska’s enthusiasm was evident as he addressed the media, reflecting on how important it was for Huberdeau to have such a breakout game early in the season. “You could feel the energy shift every time he touched the puck,” Huska remarked. “He was making plays, creating space, and most importantly, he was contributing to the overall momentum of the game.”

While the stat sheet spoke volumes about Huberdeau’s contributions, Huska was particularly focused on the subtleties of Huberdeau’s gameplay that went beyond mere numbers. One standout moment that Huska highlighted was Huberdeau’s ability to read the ice and find open teammates. “His vision is remarkable. There was a moment in the second period when he set up MacKenzie Weegar for that goal, and it was pure hockey sense. He knew exactly where to be and where to put the puck,” Huska noted. “That’s the kind of intelligence we need on the ice.”

The game itself showcased a full team effort, but Huberdeau’s performance was the highlight. The Flames entered the matchup with high hopes, having seen glimpses of what they could achieve in the early stages of the season. For Huberdeau, this was not just a return to form; it was a statement. Following a season where he faced challenges adapting to a new system, this performance was a much-needed reminder of his elite capabilities.

In the lead-up to the game, there had been murmurs about Huberdeau’s readiness and fitness. He had opened the season with a goal, but his performance against the Flyers was a different level. “You could see he was dialed in,” Huska said. “He looked confident. When he’s in that mindset, he’s unstoppable.”

After scoring his first goal of the night—one that ricocheted off his shoulder and found the net—Huberdeau’s playful demeanor with the media was evident. “You didn’t see it? I called it and then pretended I didn’t know where it was,” he joked, showing his light-hearted side while still acknowledging the skill involved in capitalizing on such plays.

But it wasn’t just about the goals; it was about Huberdeau’s overall engagement in the game. His ability to maintain possession, work the puck around, and engage physically was something Huska wanted to emphasize. “He’s not just a scorer; he’s a complete player,” Huska remarked. “That was evident tonight. He battled along the boards, and he wasn’t afraid to go into the dirty areas. Those kinds of efforts uplift the entire team.”

Throughout the night, the Flames showcased their offensive depth, with contributions from other players, including Nazem Kadri, who also netted two goals. The camaraderie on the ice was evident, and Huska pointed out how Huberdeau’s confidence seemed to elevate those around him. “When one player starts to excel, it often has a ripple effect,” Huska explained. “You could see how Kadri fed off Huberdeau’s energy. It’s contagious. When our top guys play well, it opens things up for everyone else.”

After the game, the atmosphere in the locker room was celebratory, but Huberdeau remained grounded, aware of the importance of consistency. “I can’t get too high or too low. It’s about keeping that level of play every night,” he said. “I feel good, and it’s a good start, but I want to keep this going.”

Huska echoed that sentiment, emphasizing the importance of not resting on their laurels. “This is just one game, but it’s a great indication of what we can achieve when we put in the work,” he said. “The focus now is on building off this performance. We need to maintain that intensity and that commitment to our game plan.”

Looking ahead, Huska made it clear that the team would be using this game as a benchmark for future performances. “We’ve set a standard now. It’s about finding that balance between excitement and consistency. Huberdeau’s performance tonight is something we can all draw inspiration from, but we need to ensure we’re ready to build on it every game,” he stated.

Huberdeau’s breakout game also served as a reminder of his potential and what he can bring to the Flames as the season progresses. His past seasons with the Florida Panthers had shown what he was capable of, and the Flames were banking on his ability to replicate that success. For fans and teammates alike, this game was a welcome sight, suggesting that the Huberdeau of old was making his return.

As the team prepared for their next challenges, Huska’s message was clear: consistency would be key. He emphasized the need for the players to not only enjoy the success of this victory but also to recognize the hard work that had gone into achieving it. “Every player has to understand that nights like this don’t just happen. They’re earned through commitment and preparation,” he said.

In the days following the victory, the Flames engaged in practice with renewed energy, buoyed by the momentum of the win. Huberdeau was at the forefront, demonstrating the leadership qualities that Huska had praised. “He’s starting to lead by example on and off the ice,” Huska noted. “That’s what we need from our star players, and I think he’s beginning to embrace that role.”

The camaraderie within the team continued to grow, and as the players rallied around each other, it became clear that the Flames were starting to develop a strong chemistry. “We’re becoming more comfortable with each other,” Huberdeau remarked. “When you have that trust, it makes everything easier. You know where your teammates are going to be, and that leads to better plays.”

As the Flames looked ahead to their next games, the focus remained on building a cohesive unit that could withstand the rigors of an NHL season. Huska reiterated the importance of using Huberdeau’s standout performance as a springboard for continued success. “We want to see more nights like this, not just from Huberdeau, but from the entire team. It’s about establishing an identity and being a force to be reckoned with.”

With each game, the Flames were on a quest to prove that they were not just a team with potential, but a team ready to compete at the highest level. The night against the Flyers would serve as a crucial chapter in that journey—a reminder of the heights they could reach when they played as a cohesive unit.

Huska’s optimistic outlook for the season was palpable, as he envisioned a team that could leverage the talent at their disposal. “We have a group of players who can do special things. It’s about tapping into that potential and finding a way to channel it consistently throughout the season.”

The excitement within the Flames’ locker room was evident as they prepared for upcoming matchups, with the shared belief that they could achieve something significant this year. As they reflected on Huberdeau’s impressive night, the atmosphere was one of anticipation and determination.

This season was shaping up to be a pivotal one for the Flames, and with players like Huberdeau stepping up, there was every reason to believe that they could make a significant impact in the league. The path ahead would not be easy, but as they embraced the challenges, the Flames were ready to rise to the occasion. With each game, they would strive to build on the momentum of that unforgettable night, eager to prove their worth and solidify their place among the NHL’s elite.