A View From the Press Box
Hanifin’s Breakout Performance
The Calgary Flames defeated the New Jersey Devils 5 to 2 in home game 8 and overall season game 19 on Thursday night. It appeared to be the Flames most complete game of the season. As well, the team had 6 power play chances and capitalized with 2 goals including the game winner from Michael Backlund with a nice assist from Noah Hanifin. The 3 stars of the game were Noah Hanifin, Mikael Backlund and Johnny Gaudreau respectively.
Head Coach Bill Peters tweaked the Flames line up prior to the game. He sat out forward Michael Frolik and switched players around in the line up. One of his biggest changes involved Hanifin. Hanifin played most of the game with Rasmus Andersson while his regular partner Travis Hamonic played along side Captain Mark Giordano. It sure worked!
By far, Noah Hanifin was the best player on the ice. He played a dominant game. Hanifin had 1 goal and 2 assists for 3 points with a plus 1 on the night. He logged 20:42 minutes of ice time. The third most of any of the Flames; he was just behind Giordano’s 24:28 and Rasmus Andersson’s 21.08 minutes. For the season Hanifin now has 3 goals and 3 assists. Yes, he doubled his totals with a great performance against the Devils tonight.
We must remember the 6’ 3” 215 lb left shooting defenseman is only 22 years old. He turns 23 on January 25th. However, his current game reflects a lot of poise and confidence. He was drafted 5th overall in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft by the Carolina Hurricanes. Hanifin was traded to the Calgary Flames along with teammate Elias Lindhom in exchange for Dougie Hamilton, Michael Ferland and prospect Adam Fox. On August 30th, 2019 the Flames signed Hanifin to a 6 year $29.7 million contract extension worth $4.95 million annually. Hanifin may just turn out to be the dark horse in the whole deal!
Head Coach Bill Peters stated the following at the post game press conference when asked about Noah Hanifin’s game. “Hanny skated, he was involved. Led the fore check on one… we had a conversation about that…That was good” he said with a smirk. “ He’s dynamic. “
Expect Hanifin’s role on the team to expand as the season moves along. Playing more minutes of ice time especially more time on the power play. This coaching strategy will lessen the work load and demands on Captain Mark Giordano and keep Gio fresher later on in the season for the important playoff stretch drive. Yes, this writer believes Noah Hanifin has a very bright future with the Calgary Flames.
Coach Peters appeared to be quite happy after the game with his team’s reaction to his earlier criticism of their previous inconsistent game play. “I liked everybody tonight to be honest with you. All 4 centres drove their line. All 4 centres were good tonight. I think that was one of our best complete efforts throughout the season.”
With the win the Flames are tied with the Edmonton Oilers on top of the Pacific Division with 22 points but have played 2 more games than the Oilers. The Flames next home game is scheduled for Saturday, November 9th against the defending Stanley Cup Champs – St: Louis Blues. It will be a great test being a quarter ways into the season schedule. Will the Flames play another complete game again? Stay tuned!
