Pospisil poised for bigger penalty-killing role with Honzek out
The Flames forward is also earning praise for his work at centre as Calgary prepares to face Anaheim.
Martin Pospisil could take on more responsibility on the Calgary Flames’ penalty kill against Anaheim on Saturday, Oct. 10, with Sam Honzek unavailable. The Flames said Honzek missed practice Friday and the morning skate Saturday and would not dress against the Ducks.
Pospisil has already played more than six minutes shorthanded through Calgary’s first four games, including 3:19 in Vancouver. He credited aggressive pressure and advance video preparation for the unit’s results. Calgary had prevented goals on 12 consecutive opposing power plays entering Saturday, according to the club.
Coach Ryan Huska praised the timing of Calgary’s pressure and said the goaltenders had covered for breakdowns. He also highlighted Pospisil’s speed, competitiveness and progress on face-offs as the forward takes regular shifts at centre.
Pospisil won nine of 13 face-offs against Colorado on Thursday. Of his 42 draws this season, 17 have come in the defensive zone, where winning possession gives Calgary an immediate chance to clear the puck.
