Matchday Notebook – 10/24/24

Small mixtures

Rooney’s return to the lineup meant two Flames forwards were in different spots Thursday morning.

Justin Kirkland was moved to a line alongside Jonathan Huberdeau and Anthony Mantha, while Martin Pospisil moved from center of the ice to a winger position alongside Andrei Kuzmenko and Nazem Kadri.

Huberdeau said he’s excited to see what Kirkland brings to his team tonight, and he’s also eager to help the 28-year-old write another chapter in what has been a whirlwind two weeks since his recall from the AHL.

“It’s just good to see, you know, that’s what it’s all about,” Huberdeau explained. “You work so hard your whole life, you get your chance and he takes it and he plays well.”

Meanwhile, Pospisil’s move to the wing represents a chance to win more battles in the offensive zone.

“Pospy returns to the wing, he’s a guy I think can play both,” Huberdeau said. “I thought he was a good centerman, but as a winger I think he can do more on the forecheck, I think he can get going.”

“I think we can change our lineup and be just as efficient.”

Huska mentioned that his lineup changes were made both in anticipation of Rooney’s return and in the belief that Thursday’s contest will be fast-paced.

“We’re getting someone back in the lineup today and for Marty, we felt like we needed a little more speed on that one line, so that’s all that matters,” he said. “It’s going to be a faster game tonight, so we want to try to put ourselves in a position to play the right way.”

As for Kirkland, Huska believes success comes from sticking with what’s worked before.

“He plays a very direct game and has the skills we talked about. Again, he’s a tougher player now,” he said. “We’ll see how it goes; I don’t want him to change his game because of where he plays.”

“He had success because he was very direct and direct, and that’s what we need from him tonight.”