Colborne, Bennett nearing their return from injuries
Both forwards might play at home against Washington on Tuesday
Like you, Joe Colborne can see some of the issues that are happening with the Calgary Flames right now.
“We came in real hungry last year,” the winger/ centreman was saying on Monday at WinSport’s facilities as the group had to answer, yet again, for their disappointing 1- 4- 0 record to start the 201516 NHL season. “We had an ‘ Us against the world’ attitude. We’ve seen it in spurts, but it’s tough.
“Watching those games, I didn’t really recognize our hockey team at times. We have a lot of proud guys in that room. Our veteran leadership is second- to- none, in my opinion ... nobody likes when you’re losing.
“What we’ve done so far isn’t good enough.”
Colborne has been sidelined for all five games of the regular season with a broken thumb after injuring it when he absorbed Andrew Ladd’s slapshot during a 3- 1 pre- season loss to the Winnipeg Jets on Oct. 1.
Monday was his first practice with the team since the injury and he’s hoping that, should he return in Tuesday’s game when the Washington Capitals drop into town, that he’ll provide some energy.
“It felt real good out there,” said the 25- year- old. “Obviously, I’d love to get back into the lineup as quick as possible. It’s frustrating watching the guys while you’re sitting in the room getting treatment. It feels like you’re letting the team down somehow. It’s part of the game, but I’m hoping to be back as soon as possible.
“It’s up to the doctors and the coaches ( Tuesday).”
The good news: he doesn’t notice it while he’s shooting or taking draws ( the injury happened to his top hand/ right thumb), should he draw in at centre. On Monday, he was in the middle and flanked by Markus Granlund on his left and Josh Jooris on his right.
But his left wrist, the one that was operated on in the off- season?
“Thumb felt great, wrist is ... you know what? It’s a lot better than it was,” said Colborne who added he’s ahead of schedule with his thumb recovery. “That was the only silver lining there was it gave me a longer chance to get better.”
Also back on the ice Monday was Sam Bennett.
The 19- year- old centreman/ winger was an unexpected scratch on Saturday night against the Oilers, sidelined with a mysterious “upper body” injury.
“It happened against Winnipeg on one of the last shifts,” said the Flames fourth overall pick from the 2014 NHL draft. “I went into the boards kind of funny. It was mine and the doctors ( decision). They assessed me and we decided it wouldn’t be smart to play that game.
“I’m feeling a lot better now. Practice went well so I’ll see how I do ( Tuesday).”
Considering Bennett had shoulder surgery a year ago, makes you wonder if he’d injured the same wing.
It isn’t, according to the man himself.
“I can confirm it wasn’t the repaired shoulder,” he said. “That’s good news.”
Both gentlemen are game day decisions, according to Flames head coach Bob Hartley.
“They’re going to be ( evaluated) at the morning skate and the medical staff will be looking at them,” he said.
“I like what I saw ( Monday) morning.”
As for their game action, no one — including themselves — has liked what they’ve seen so far.
“Right now, there is a lot missing,” Bennett said. “Overall, there’s not enough compete. There isn’t enough effort from all the guys, including myself. I think everyone has to be better.”
Hartley was asked about his group taking shortcuts that, perhaps, they didn’t last year.
“Listen, that’s human nature,” he said. “Sometimes you don’t even see it. You don’t realize you’re not at 100 per cent. For many people, being at 85 per cent is good enough. Here, it’s not good enough.
“Those are not the standards we established. Now we need to bring them back.”
ICE CHIPS: ... LW Micheal Ferland was absent from practice, taking a maintenance day. However the winger was seen walking out of Winsport Arenas, so he could draw in Tuesday night ... LW Lance Bouma ( broken fibia) and D TJ Brodie ( broken hand) made an appearance at the rink on Monday ... Injured D Ladislav Smid ( neck) was practising with the team and looks to be nearing closer to a return.