Matt Stajan Hitting His Stride on Flames' Top Line

by Rita Mingo

Filed under: Flames, NHL Injuries

CALGARY, Alta. -- Like a round peg into a round hole, Matt Stajan's fit in the Calgary Flames top line last Saturday night was a snug one.

The 26-year-old centreman, taking the place of an ineffective Olli Jokinen between Jarome Iginla and Alex Tanguay, provided immediate sparks on a team that must get goals from these individuals if it plans to have any success this season.

"Playing a simple game,'' suggested Stajan, in his first full season in Calgary. "I just want to get those guys the puck. At the same time, make little plays, be a strong middleman and create turnovers.''

The lanky Stajan was part of the seven-player deal that saw defenceman Dion Phaneuf shipped to Toronto last January. He did get a chance to play with Iginla in the second half of last season, so there was some familiarity there.

"The more you play with someone, the more experience you get, the more comfortable you get,'' Stajan pointed out. "Obviously, it's hard work to find out tendencies of a guy and the more you play with someone and watch them, it gets easier and easier.

 

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