CALGARY, Alberta — Johnny Hockey did a Johnny number on the Flyers Thursday night at the Scotiabank Saddledome.
The Flames' flashy rookie, who the Flyers bypassed in the 2011 NHL draft, scored a goal and added two assists — all in a critical third period — as Calgary routed the Flyers, 4-1 (see game story).
A three-point night and plus-2 performance against the club he rooted for growing up in Carney's Point, New Jersey.
“Yeah, pretty special to me,” Gaudreau said afterward. “I know a ton of family and friends were watching at home. My sister just had her first kid there and she was watching too. It’s just an exciting night.”
His three points temporarily gave him the NHL rookie scoring lead with 56 points. His 36 assists also lead all rookies.
Not bad for his first year in the league.
“I don’t think it could have gone any better so far,” he said. “Only thing better would be to make the playoffs. I’m really excited to be part of this team and part of this race — so it’s exciting as a rookie.”
Gaudreau has picked up his play since last meeting the Flyers on March 3, when the Flames won in overtime, 3-2, at the Wells Fargo Center.
He had slipped in the rookie scoring race there but now has five goals and seven assists for 12 points over his last nine games.
“He’s trying to make the transition from a college schedule (minimum 40 games) to an NHL schedule,” Flames coach Bob Hartley said. “There is quite a difference. Give credit to him for a small-sized player who has done quite well.
“He’s had a few bumps in the road, but at the same time, he always found a way to get back in gear and be productive. You look at Johnny Gaudreau’s two-way game, it’s been pretty impressive.”
The Calder Trophy race is going to be an interesting one with him, Nashville forward Filip Forsberg, Florida defenseman Aaron Ekblad, Ottawa winger Mike Hoffman, just to name a few, vying for the hardware.
“I definitely keep tabs on all the rookies,” Gaudreau said. “I met a few of them at the All-Star Game. I knew some of the guys around the league and I’m still getting to know them a little better. It’s nice to see them contributing and it’s exciting to be part of this race.”
Who’s going to win the vote?
“He has my vote,” Hartley said with a smile.
Gaudreau, who lives just outside downtown Calgary, plans to split time this summer between his home in South Jersey and in Boston, where he still has family after attending Boston College.
“I love the city out here,” he said. “It’s been great weather in Calgary. I definitely miss my family and friends a lot. I don’t see them too much. But it’s all part of my first season of being a pro.”
He said once in a while, people recognize who he is when he’s out at a restaurant or shopping. He admits it’s pretty cool to be 21 and have people asking for an autograph or to take a picture with him.
“I’m pretty fortunate to be in a city and recognized,” he smiled.
While the Flyers are almost officially eliminated from postseason play, the Flames are in a heated race in the Western Conference where four points separate them at the ninth seed from fifth-place Minnesota.
“Johnny Hockey” is getting his first taste of playoff fever, NHL-style.
“Guys are excited in the locker room,” he said. “The Flames haven’t made the playoffs in two years now. It’s just exciting to be part of a playoff race. It’s a lot of fun.”